In the stillness of the morning, you may not always ponder on the profound significance of the seemingly simple act of drawing your first breath of the day. Breathing is so natural and instinctive that it often goes unnoticed, yet it is the evidence of being alive.
God breathed on man the breath of life at the very beginning, at the earliest moments of the creation of humanity. *"Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being."* (Gen. 2:7). In this scripture, God manifests not only as the Creator, but also as a loving father who infused humanity with His very being. It is astounding to note that this act marks not only the beginning of physical life but also of a close, intimate relationship between God and His creature. It was not just enough to form us; God shared His breath, His Spirit, and His life with us. Every breath we take is not just drawing a measure of strength from God, but also a reminder that we are more than just physical beings; the very breath of God animates us. Every breath we take should remind us that there is a divine purpose for our existence. Do you know that purpose and are you fulfilling it? In the Bible, breath often symbolizes God’s presence and power. At the valley of dry bones, God commanded Ezekiel to prophesy over a valley filled with dry bones. As Ezekiel obeyed, the bones came together, but they remained lifeless until God commanded the breath to enter them. *“So, I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet - a vast army”* (Ezek. 37:10). We might become focused on our careers, families, or ambitions and, in doing so, overlook the spiritual breath that sustains us. Just as we need the physical breath to survive, we also need the spiritual breath to truly thrive. It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget the source of our existence. In moments of stress or uncertainty, remember to pause and breathe - literally and spiritually. Each breath can be a moment of prayer or reconnection with God who breathed life into you. It is a simple, yet profound way to refocus yourself and invite God’s presence into your day.
As believers, we need to acknowledge that every moment and every breath is a gift from God. In our interactions with others, let us endeavour to share this life-giving breath. Like our breath, our words can either give or take life. As you go about your day, remember to breathe with purpose. Let each breath be a moment of gratitude, a reminder of God’s presence, and an opportunity to share His life with others. In doing so, you will experience the fullness of life and become a vessel of God’s breath in a world that desperately needs it.
