40&7 Devotional: A Guide To Peace During A Custody BattleSample

Breathe

Did you know that our bodies are created to naturally heal themselves? I believe that in many cases ailments that we medicate could be healed if we better understood how God had created our bodies. God created breath, and it is a beautiful creation. We can’t see it, we can’t touch it, but it is at the core of our very existence. How often have you seen someone walking around without breathing? Probably never! Why? Because if someone isn’t breathing, he or she is missing something that happens within our bodies when we breathe.

It’s called life.

Adam came alive when God breathed life into him, and life can be given to us when we practice intentional breathing during times of stress and high anxiety.

One day while in a discussion with someone about ways to relieve stress and anxiety, I was taught a very helpful breathing technique. This exercise did wonders for me the first time I tried it. The day I tried it, I’d had a bad headache all day, and I had not even considered that it could have been caused by tension. I had been hoping all day that it would just go away.

As I walked through this deep-breathing exercise, my entire body started to tingle as if it were loosening up. After two deep, long breaths, my headache was completely gone. I knew right then that I needed to incorporate this exercise into my life when I felt anxiety or stress. I began doing this regularly. As I breathed in and let my belly expand, I repeated, “God, I trust You. God, I trust You,” over and over, and as I breathed out, I said, “I’m giving this to You. I’m giving this to You,” or I’d think of a promise of Scripture He had given me. Breathing out was so relaxing and rejuvenating—it felt as if I were literally blowing the stress out my body. I now usually do this two or three times before I engage in a situation that causes me anxiety. A person doesn’t have to be a Professional or certified to take a couple deep breaths and feel a huge difference.

We just happen to be created to breathe!

Think about it!

Did you know that something as simple as breathing slowly could relieve pressure and stress? Take a moment (right now!) and take several deep breaths very slowly in and out. Now closes your eyes, clear your mind, and do it once more. It's truly relaxing. From this point forward when you feel overwhelmed or stressed, pause and take several deep breaths before continuing on.