Breathe Deeply of Him!

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“The breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4a

For many of us, the reality of the coronavirus of 2020 is no longer defined by a respiratory disease. Instead, COVID19 is focused on and defined by masks, social distancing and creative ways to connect and reopen our churches and places of business. Even for those in the medical field (in the USA), routines are returning to the way they once were – even if staff is still wearing face coverings of one type or another.

This Sunday, our worship leader reminded our church family of the reality of the disease. It is still present. People are still dealing with this disease - even after months of treatment and care. Amazingly, not all have succumbed to death. Some have had the breath of life given back to them from the Almighty! Individuals who have been on vents way too long, according to medical standards, are learning how to swallow again. They are gaining strength. They no longer struggle to breathe. They are living miracles!

Many of these amazing stories are lost in the noise of the world. Instead, our attention is directed toward and focused on finding a vaccination, stay-at-home orders and different phases of reopening - 1, 2 3 or red, yellow and green. Everyone wants to return back to normal, but what is normal? Hopefully, we’ve changed as a nation, as a people and as believers. Hopefully, both our families and our churches are changing. When we look back on this season of life, will we be able to see how God used this experience to help us to learn and grow?

Another aspect of life that our worship leader brought back into focus for me this week was found in the words of “Great Are You Lord” by Casting Crowns. It took on a bit of a new meaning when filtered through the lens of COVID19. Look at these lyrics with me for a moment and process them through life as we know it now.

You give life, You are love, You bring light to the darkness
You give hope, You restore, Every heart that is broken
Great are You, Lord.

Why is it that the author of this song exclaimed “Great are You, Lord”?

'Cause it's your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise - to You only.

God’s breath. Our lungs. Our life is dependent on the breath of God. That is powerful. Too often we take for granted the basics of life. A beating heart. A well-functioning brain. Lungs full of air. Genesis 2:7 tells us that God gave man the “breath of life,” and at that point in time he became a living being. The breath of life. Wow!

I would guess that most of us have not had to deal with the stressors of gasping for air in our lifetime. Our closest call might have been having the wind knocked out of us when we were kids. (I remember one fall from a swing that took my breath away!) Perhaps, you've watched a loved one take their last breath. Or, maybe you've had to accommodate for the apparatus needed for sleep apnea in the life of a friend or family member. Likely, we've all known someone who was permanently on oxygen and had to carry a tank with them wherever they went. Medical services can be huge blessings and can help assist those who have breathing issues, but ultimately – the breath of life comes from the Lord. We are all only one breath away from death.

In the midst of the chaos of our world, I encourage you to take a moment to breathe deeply. Purposefully. Alone. Just sitting where you are. Drink in the gift of life God has given you. Breath in, breath out. Allow God’s oxygen to bring strength and renewal into your soul. There’s a new day awaiting each of us. A new perspective on life is right around the corner. A new hope for the journey is ours for the asking. Breathe the gift of God’s everlasting love and care deep into your soul, and praise Him for all that He is today and all that He will be in the days to come!

“No one is like You, Lord; You are great, and Your name is mighty in power.” Jeremiah 10:6

As you take a deep breath and enjoy the gift of life, take a moment to worship Him by enjoying “Great Are You Lord” by Casting Crowns at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZqV6i98SkA

He is worthy of all honor and glory!



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yokemates.blogspot.com

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