Mark 7:31-35
Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. 32 There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man. 33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. 34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”). 35 At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.
REFERENCES: Philippians 4:6-7, Genesis 1:1-2, Genesis 2:7, John 20:21-23, Mark 7:31-32, Mark 7:33, Luke 7:34-35, Psalm 144:15
Many of us might be able to recall falling and scraping a knee or elbow as a child growing up. Perhaps this is one of the first anxiety inducing experiences some of us have had, as we felt the pain, fear, and trauma setting in. Thankfully, if a good parent or guardian was around when this happened, we can probably also recall the comforting and soothing experience of them breathing or blowing on our wounds. Then, suddenly everything seemed to be right with the world again. Sometimes we face seemingly impossible circumstances that literally and figuratively wound our minds, hearts, and bodies. Life will often force us against the wall, presenting ‘giving up’ as the only viable option. Whether it’s losing a job, dealing with a sick loved one, having personal health issues, or grappling with marriage struggles, it’s important for all of us to know that God has not left us. He breathed life into you and he’s not done with your story. Our breath is a gift from God. Remember God loves you and he cares about your mental health. Don’t stop breathing. It’s always too soon to quit.
God cares about your mental health.
Throughout scripture we are given a plethora of examples of God using breath to create, bless, transform, steady, and heal us. Breath is a Gift from God that anchors us back to his peace in times of chaos, distress, and unease. Recognizing our breath as a gift reminds us of the nearness of God. Anxiety attacks our breath and depression slows our breath, however we can take comfort in remembering that God's breath hovers over the chaos, and that on the other side of the chaos lies creation.
Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person. Genesis 2:7
We live in a broken world, and at some point in life, we will all likely experience brokenness. The truth is that our brokenness doesn’t define us. For too long mental illness has been ignored or treated as a personal problem or weakness of the individual. Illness is not a moral failing, but it does require a healer. Jesus loves you too much to leave you as you are. He meets you where you are to bring you real peace.
In the world today there can be a pressure to thrive. However, sometimes we come face to face with a season where thriving is not the goal and surviving is all we can manage. We survive by breathing, even if it is just a sigh. When we focus on our breathing we come back to the present, anchoring us to our creator, the very source of life. In fact, every breath we take, is saying God’s name YHWH. Jesus is the only one who can truly heal us. It is important that if we are going through a season of anxiety we break the silence before it breaks us. So speak up even if your voice shakes, and run to the counselor and messenger of hope. God breathes divinity into the dirt, and creates life in the middle of chaos. He loves you with an everlasting love. Remember, if all you did today was breathe, you are more than okay.
Take a few minutes to complete this breathing exercise. Remember to breathe deeply. Inhale in grace, exhale worry.
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Good News: Hope is here! Celebrate Easter in community. With gatherings all weekend, there’s something for everyone.
Friday, March 29 – Good Friday
Saturday, March 30 – Easter Egg Drop
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We live in the tension of present hard times and coming good times. In this gap, our faith is formed. The gathering of the saints produces perseverance for you to run your race of faith. VOUSCon is this moment.
June 20-22
Miami, FL
As we create an atmosphere that glorifies God, we create space for Him to move. As servant leaders, we carry the culture. Because we value Con, we invest in it.