Breath of life
“And God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7)
The room is quiet, the fire is crackling, the space is inviting. Have you ever walked into someone’s home or into a space that caused you to just breathe… the exhale that says, “relax, breathe.” Environments can do that to us. Recently, I walked into a friend’s home and did just that, I exhaled. I’m not sure why the environment created that kind of response in me, but it did.
Breathing is a funny thing. Most of the time we aren’t aware of our breathing. It’s something that just works at a subconscious level. The only time I notice my breathing is at the gym, when the workout is killing me, or when I’m nervous. At both times I try and concentrate on deep breathing.
So, I am pondering…if I am usually unaware of my physical breathing, why did entering my friend’s home cause this exhalation? As I sit with these thoughts, I realize, it is because my soul encountered peace. And peace reminds the soul to exhale. Life tries to steal our peace, most certainly it does. Jesus told us that the world would not bring us peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
When we encounter peace, it soon becomes clear how much we long for it, how much we desire it, and how much we need it. We are created to reside in peace irrespective of the world. A challenge for sure.
Deep within, there is a knowing that peace is life giving. Without our breath we begin to struggle, we gasp for air. Air is to our physical breathing as peace is to our soul. Both bring life.
“And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit'” (John 20:22)
“It is the Spirit that gives life” (John 6:63)
As we rush from one commitment to the next, as we try and meet the demands and pressures placed upon us, as we plod through challenging relationships, we are left winded, short of breath and struggling for air. Our soul needs breath. Our soul needs peace.
The world depletes. Jesus restores. There are times when I am restored and times when I am depleted. Walking into my friend’s home I was depleted, my soul struggling to breathe. But, God in His infinite goodness, surrounded me with such an indescribable peace I couldn’t help but be consumed. I wish I could say that I constantly live in this peace. The world does a number on me too. But Jesus reminds me to come to Him, to inhale deeply and He will breathe into my soul and I will exhale.
What profound and deeply impacting words!! Thank you for sharing this reflection with us. I am more aware of my breathing in this very moment and your post has rendered an awareness of peace an my want to be one with the Holy Spirit. God bless you.
This was beautiful! I was wondering if you would mind if I link to it on my blog in a few months when I do my series on Peace? I just love it!
Yes. Read your blog. Praying for you. You are a courageous woman. Thank you for your story. I know it will help many
“But Jesus reminds me to come to Him, to inhale deeply and He will breathe into my soul and I will exhale.” <— That was so eloquently put. It remind of the simple blessing of just being alive to and able to breathe on my own. Beautiful post.
Beautiful Post – such vivid language I was immediately swept into your words and reaching for that peace.
I just love you! All of you❤️
Leslie, there is so much depth in this post. Our life is so busy with all the “must-dos” that we often forget to take a moment to just breathe and spend some time with our Savior. There is a peace that comes when we lay all of our burdens down on at Jesus’ feet. There is a peace that comes when we take a few moment to pray or spend time with our Lord. What a great post to remind us of the peace we have in Jesus.