Breathe

Back in the day, when our kids were little, our life was not quiet. With three kids and only two of us, we were outnumbered early on. We always had a lot going on. Sometimes all the busy led to feeling a little crazy and there may have been a moment or two, or more, when I didn’t maintain my composure. In other words, I lost it.

My husband used to tell me to ‘chill.’ Emphasis on used to once he saw the adverse reaction. I think sometimes he still wants to say it, but more often than not he’ll keep it to himself and tell me to breathe. While that’s very close to telling me to chill, it’s not without warrant. If you’ve ever been around me in a moment of stress, you’ll see my shoulders rise well-above my ears and just stay there. So, breathing is usually very sound advice.

Besides keeping us alive, breathing is a significant part of many other things. It can soothe our souls, especially if there’s a calming fragrance as we inhale. It’s essential during childbirth. It’s a key part of physical activities like yoga, running, and other forms of exercise. In fact, in SCUBA, the number one rule is always to breathe.

Now, I’m not a diver. I’ll try snorkeling every now and then, but it’s just not natural to try and breathe under water. My family is more adventurous than me though. So I watched as Drake and my son learned about the safety of diving. While most of it didn’t interest me, it got me thinking about the similarities between SCUBA rules and what it looks like to walk in faith.

First, besides the number one rule of breathing, we need to check our equipment. As believers, that would be our Bibles. Spending time with God in His Word gives us assurance, confidence and insight into God’s character and how we can apply these things to our everyday life. All very useful as we navigate the crazy of our world today.

Another rule of SCUBA is that you should dive with a friend. This seems obvious to me because why would you risk a shark encounter alone? Or ever really. But, in comparing this to our faith-walk, it means we need friends. Life is challenging enough as it is, but investing in relationships, being transparent, allowing for accountability and supporting each other is exactly what God wants for us. Because just like diving with a buddy offers safety and shared memorable experiences, the same is true with the friendships we develop in our faith. We were designed to be in relationship with God and each other.

Finally, a crucial safety rule in SCUBA is never panic. If we panic, all sense of reason goes out the window. Or your dive mask. Either way it’s not good. Trust me. I know. I’m gifted at coming up with potential ‘what ifs’ and letting my thoughts spiral. This never ends well.

One of my very favorite verses that I try to remember to apply in these moments is Psalm 46:10. Maybe it’s one you're familiar with, too. “Be still and know that I am God.”

Just typing those God-breathed words increases my spiritual and physical oxygen level. I’m learning to pause and remember God’s sovereignty. I wish I would’ve applied this to so many things in my past, especially parenting. I think I would’ve been a better wife, mom and friend. 

But, the beautiful thing is we don’t have to live in our past. I trust that God is good and He wants good things for us today and every day. So even when things feel hard, God is at work on our behalf. He is our constant companion. When we don’t slow down and embrace the stillness and peace we have with Him, we are likely to miss the beauty, humor and even the lessons that grow us in the challenging times.

A still and quiet life will not be absent of noise. It never has been. But much like the disciples were safe on the boat with Jesus asleep in the storm (Matthew 8:23-27), we are equipped by the Holy Spirit to overcome stress, fear and panic. Something that’s even more assuring is there is no special breathing technique to maintain the Spirit being alive and active in us. We can breathe, rest and just be…even in the chaos of parenting and busy schedules. Psalm 46:10 has the perfect partner in scripture. Psalm 150:6, “Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!” 

So deep breath my friend! We’ve got this because God has us.