Just Breathe

While chatting with a co-worker this week, about all the different threats in the world, we just had to stop and breathe. If we hang onto every post on social media, watch the depressing news each night, then pile onto ourselves our own ails and woes, we may just stop breathing. Every day we are bombarded with images of injustice, protests, violence, corruption, and yes the latest pandemic. Our need for speed with technology has made us addicts to the gloom of our world. We are being so distracted by all of this that drawing a breath is like sleeping with a rock on our chests. Just breathe.

          

Now I’m not saying to stick our heads in the sand, but what I am suggesting is that we take a step back from our screens, allow ourselves to decompress, and breathe. Take back time with our families and friends, face to face, not Facebook to Facebook. Pay attention to the world, but not be consumed by it. The latest virus, Covid19 is something to be aware of, yet we can use common sense to combat the fear. I admit to having a human fear, or concern with this invisible threat. I am trying to lean on my faith that God will protect me and my family, yet we have to take responsibility for our own well-being, and for those around us. It has to start with owning our personal hygiene practices, staying informed, and yes, relying on our faith that God will guide us and carry us.

          

We need to first undo the fear that has a grip on us. Once we do this, then we can breathe, once we can breathe, then we can concentrate on the human and physical. So, let’s start with prayer. Pray for strength and resolve. Pray for increase in faith, belief in God’s healing, and clarity of mind. Lean on His promise that He will watch over and protect us. He tells us this in Isaiah 41:10 NCV” So don’t worry, because I am with you. Don’t be afraid because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you.” God has promised good to us as in Jeremiah. Yet he does not give us permission to throw caution to the wind. He has given us the gift of free will to use our minds to discern when to help ourselves. That time is now. Lean into Him, wash your hands and just breathe.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com