breathe

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

When you are wrestling with anxiety, worry, panic or fear, understand that God may work in various ways to bring healing. God does not divide us into spiritual and medical and physical beings and offer different solutions for each. With God, we are whole people, and everything that brings us life comes from and through him. Sometimes that is getting exercise or changing eating habits, or listening to a worship song. Much of the time it is not one or the other, but both / and.

Most counsellors and literature on anxiety suggest that you stop to take some deep breaths when you feel a sense of panic setting in. That’s because the “fight or flight” mechanism that keeps you from harm triggers when you feel like you are under threat (real or imaginary). When this happens, your breathing becomes shallow, or you unknowingly stop breathing altogether. When it comes to anxiety, the answer might be as simple as taking a few deep breaths.

Breathing has a calming effect.

The American Institute of Stress says:

“Deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to your brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of calmness. Breathing techniques help you feel connected to your body—it brings your awareness away from the worries in your head and quiets your mind.”

Paul said (Acts 17:25, NIV)

“He (God) himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” 

God does everything in rhythm. And the very best rhythm is the rhythm of his grace.

It goes like this—breathe out, I CANNOT. 

Breathe in—JESUS YOU CAN.

This is the spiritual rest that comes from believing that he is God and we are not, from trusting his life in us to do what we cannot do on our own.

Often times we stop with the “exhale,” proclaiming to ourselves, I cannot. And because we think I cannot, I will not. But remember the rest of the gospel. Christ lives to be and do in and through us what we cannot do in our own strength.

Learn to take deep physical breaths and deeper spiritual ones.

Breathe out: I cannot.

• God, I can’t handle these people, 
• solve all these problems, 
• face this fear, 
• be everything to everybody, 
• be everywhere for everyone, 
• get it right every time, 
• keep going with no rest.

Breathe in: But Jesus, you can.

• Jesus, you can be the strength I need, 
• you can sustain me, 
• you can overcome my fears, 
• you can do what I cannot do. 
• Lead me, 
• work through me, 
• use me… 
• all my confidence is in you.

Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message) puts it this way:

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Try it right now.

• Take ten deep breaths
  and hold them for as long as you can.
• With each one center your mind on Jesus.
• Tell him as you breathe,
  "I cannot, but I believe you can.”