Spiritual Breathing
The Spirit Of God Is An Energy We Breath Into Our Lungs
by Eric Elkin
My thoracic cavity is exhausted this morning. This attention-grabbing phrase simply means my entire chest is stressed. What part aches the most is hard to identify. The constant coughing to clear my lungs has pushed my chest muscles to their limit. I ache all over. I dream of freedom from this oppression.
The prescription for my asthma medication ran out. When I finally got it renewed, the pharmacy didn’t have the inhaler in stock. So my lungs have gone two weeks without help to breathe. I am learning to surrender to my need for assistance. Asthma is a new condition for me, and I’m still learning a new way to live. It is hard to live differently.
My chest felt emblematic of the culture. We as a people ache all over. We dream of freedom from the oppression of anger, life restrictions, threats to our physical safety, and, for some, poverty. The new normal, that over-used phrase I’ve grown to despise, is more challenging than we thought. We all need to hear some good news.
A theologian described “God’s Spirit” as a deep breath of fresh air. The words made me long for this experience. Yes, it would be nice to know the spirit of the Lord was upon me. But right now, I would settle for unrestricted breathing.
Our lungs inhale invisible oxygen, which kick starts the entire living process. This oxygen is invisible energy, and we tend to take this energy boost for granted. It is often not until our breathing is restricted or completely stopped that we begin to appreciate oxygen and its benefits to our life.
Isaiah’s proclamation is interesting. He has received the power of God’s deep breathing. However, instead of doing something for himself. He takes the energy and pours it out on us. A breath of air that has been radiantly flowing and blowing for thousands of years. He is telling us, if we take a deep breath of God, a year of favor will be upon us. A year where oppression is suppressed and joy overflows.
Today, I invite you to consider your spiritual breathing process. Where do you ache? How do you want to experience freedom? Who are you turning to for help in this process? When you are done answering these questions, pause and take a deep breath of God’s Spirit. Know the energy of God is upon you. Freedom from oppressive thoughts and conditions is entering your lungs, and it will power your whole body. At some point in the process, joy will overwhelm your heart.
Click to read Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11
Reflection Questions:
Where do you ache?
How do you want to experience freedom?
Who are you turning to for help in this process?
What c an you do to breath in God today?