Photo by Nienke Broeksema on Unsplash
Observation: I remember going out early in the morning taking a deep breath and feeling the cool air in my lungs. I avoid those cold morning runs but there’s something very refreshing about breathing in that fresh air. It seems like it’s more than just oxygen but life flowing in. Breathing is so ever-present, that we hardly notice. But that oxygen, that breath sustains us. Breathing is essential for our physical survival, and more than that, other things, like love and purpose, are vital to our spiritual well-being.
Reflection: Like the air around us, God’s presence is everywhere, illustrating the idea of omnipresence. Just as we respond to media, light, and energy around us, we also respond to God’s presence—sometimes noticing, appreciating, or even ignoring it. Life can distract us, and we may take God’s Spirit for granted. Yet, our breath itself is a mini-exercise in receiving the wind of the Spirit. Every breath is a reminder that God sustains both our physical and spiritual life.
Challenge: A deep breath can center us, releasing the stress and fatigue that cloud our minds. It’s a simple, yet powerful act, that helps us focus and reconnect with God’s presence. In moments of frustration or anxiety, try to turn your attention to your breath as a reminder that everything is receiving from God and giving back to Him. With each inhale and exhale, we draw near to Him, seeking renewal for our spirit and body alike.
Scripture: “Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature” (Genesis 2:7 ESV).