Catch Your Breath
I long to sit quietly at His feet and listen to His heart.
But most days, I am running around like Raggedy Ann with a million things to do.
I miss Him when I wake up late and rush off to work in the morning.
I forget He is close by as I work through my lunch hour to finish one more project.
I fail to notice Him as I unload the dishwasher after dinner for the hundredth time.
I ignore Him as I plop down exhausted on the couch in a comatose state and reach for the remote.
The truth is that I am scared of the quiet. I am frightened of what He might say. I fear slowing down.
I live in lack because I refuse to surrender the reigns to the One who holds the keys to abundant life and peace.
Yet, He speaks so tenderly to me.
My child, draw close to My heart and find rest.
I’m tired of running ragged. I want to be still and know that He is God.
I want to press in to know Him and spend my time investing in moments that have eternal significance.
I’ve forgotten how to “just breathe” and be.
Are you tried of the endless, crazy hamster wheel of life? We’ve raced along on an adrenaline-infused rhythm for so long that taking a break seems boring, barren, and baseless.
The enemy loves to get us busy.
When was the last time you “just breathed,” friend?
Let’s take 31 days to slow down and remember that inhaling is a gift of His mercy.
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Day One: Catch Your Breath
Photo Credit
I was a woman on a mission. My body lunged forward through the packed hallway pushing passed the horde in a blur of speed.
Jumping left and right, I maneuvered through the maze of people with ease. I knew the way well.
Suddenly, my feet hit a hurdle, and as my legs flailed in midair, my body plummeted down like a torpedo.
I never saw it coming.
I lay on the ground grasping my chest. I could not catch my breath.
Breathe. Breathe. Just breathe.
I’ll never forget that day.
Have you ever had your life thrashed about unexpectedly? Maybe you are struggling to inhale right now.
Friend, I promise you that air will once again fill up your lungs with His praise.
Take time to catch your breath. You can’t get up and run until your heart stops racing.
God will meet you there on the ground and free you from fear. He hears your every moan and groan.
In time, Yahweh God will help you catch your breath.
Breathing Exercise:
Read Psalm 34. Note every way that God is attentive to the weary and brokenhearted. Breathe the words of the psalmist as your personal prayer to the God who is the air that you live and breathe.
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I am sharing “Catch Your Breath” and joining like-minded sisters at #write31days, Spiritual Sundays, and Faith-Filled Friday.
I love psalm 34:15, God keeps his eyes on his friends, he hears every moan and groan.
I’m taking care of my grandson who is 11 months old. I hear his every move.( It’s amazing how quickly that instinct kicks in again after so many years.)
I imagine our Heavenly Father is the same. It’s comforting to know he knows me that intimately!
Thanks for the reminder to breathe, to truly breath in God.
We just returned from a month-long road trip, the purpose of which was to lay my dad to rest. Suffice to say, I can’t recall a time when I was more in need of this series! Thank you, Lyli!
Praying for God to refresh your heart, June. Thank you for sharing your dad’s story with us on your blog. So beautiful that you had this time to stop & honor Him
Love this idea Lyli, to rest in Him. Your theme reminds me of Johnny Diaz’s song “Breathe” which speaks deeply to my heart every time I hear it on the radio. 🙂 Excited to see where God takes us on this 31 Day journey!
Wonderful truth to embrace the rest!
“Read Psalm 34. Note every way that God is attentive to the weary and brokenhearted. Breathe the words of the psalmist as your personal prayer to the God who is the air that you live and breathe.” I love the breathing exercise! Visiting from 3write31days, thank you. Jenneth
Love this, Lyli! Thanks for sharing Psalm 34. I hadn’t read it in the Message. My favorite line was this: “God pays for each slave’s freedom;
no one who runs to him loses out.”
No one who runs to him loses out. I knew that, of course, but how comforting it is to hear it again!