4:200 – I’m Breathing

#faithbites #faithjourney breathing

Setting

Today I made it to the office for the first time in nearly 17 months. ANxiety has skyrocketed, pulse racing, breathing labored, but I did it. I’m breathing through it all. Anxiety isn’t something that I can just turn off, but I can work on it. So today I’m just breathing. I’ve had my prayer warriors looking out for me and I can feel God with me. Remember, some days, just breathing is enough. We just need to keep moving forward, even if it’s baby steps. As Dory would say, “Just Keep Swimming”.

Today’s Questions: When everything is overwhelming to you, what do you do? How can knowing that God has your back help you on days when just breathing is an accomplishment?

Scripture

• Ezekiel 37:5 – This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.
• Exodus 33:14 – The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
• 1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Reflection

I don’t know how many reflection sections have started with, “I know life is hard.” I guess that’s because it isn’t easy. There are situations that are hard, tasks that are hard, and then things like anxiety that is hard but we can’t control them. If anxiety was controllable or there was a cause that could be solved, it would be easy. But it’s not and that’s where breathing comes in.

Taking time to rest, breathe, and reevaluate doesn’t mean you’ve failed or given up. It means you’ve taken a chance to rest in the Lord and let Him heal and breathe new life into you. We can’t do it alone. With each breath, feel the stress going out and the love of God entering it. Seriously, take a deep breath right now. Let out the stress and in with God’s love. Do it five times. Have you done it? If not, do it. Then come back.

Ok, know that you’ve breathed a bit, how do you feel? It’s not an immediate solution but breathing with God can help.

As we close, remember you don’t have to solve the world’s problems, you don’t even have to solve your own today. Just breathe and let God take over.

Prayer

Father God, we thank you for friends and family who support us when we are down. Thank you for the care, compassion, and love shown as we struggle with anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, and fear about the unknown.

Lord, as more people return to work and school, we ask for your breathe to fill their lungs. Ease their pain, suffering, and grant them peace. We know if we keep breathing with you, we can’t go wrong. We ask all of this in your name, Amen.