We have been looking at Genesis 1 in a series called Foundations. This segues into the series we are starting today called “Breathe.”
In the beginning of Genesis 2 we see God creating man and woman from the dust of the ground. I think it is significant that when God created man He got his hands dirty. He formed us out of the dirt and then breathed into us the breath of life and man became a living being. The word here for breath is “ruach” in the Hebrew. It can be translated breath, wind, or spirit. We have the very breath of God in us.
We should also note that Day 7 of creation was man’s first day. So on the very first day after his creation man got to rest. God rested even though he doesn’t need to. Not only did God rest but He was refreshed. We learn this from Exodus 31:17b. It says that God rested on the 7th day and was refreshed. The word there for refreshed means “to breath.” God simply rested and “breathed”. He was refreshed.
Take time to breathe today. Like God, reflect on your day. Pause and eat. Pause and take breaks. Relax. Intentional breathing helps us relax!
Psalm 46:10 says, “Cease striving.” That means to stop. Relax. Chill. Sink down and let all your muscles hang limp. Breathe in the Spirit of God. Breathe out your cares and worries.
For some of you life is hard right now. You might be in a traumatic situation. You might find yourself in need of emotional or spiritual triage. You need to reach out to someone and say, “I need help.” That can be hard to admit but I encourage you to do so.
Check out this scene from the movie Captain Phillips. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxje-Dcdjg8
As you do, pay attention to the female corpsman who gets Captain Phillips’ attention and says on multiple occasions, “Look at me. I need you to breathe.”
For others, you are in stride with Jesus and running well. Even though it will look different, you also need to pause and breathe. In fact, if you are truly in stride with Jesus, I think you will find Him pausing to rest. Are you joining Him in that?
This week, ask God how to build rhythms of rest and “pausing to breathe” into your schedule. It is crucial for your long-term health.
