Breathe Deeply – Overcoming Anxiety and Fear

The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

─ Job 33:4 NKJV

When you go to the doctor, the nurse will usually check your blood pressure, your weight, your heart rate, and your oxygen before the doctor comes in to examine you. They place the little pulsox machine on your finger to check your oxygen levels, because if your oxygen level falls too low, you’re in trouble.

Oxygen is a life force, a vital sign. Without breath, you have no life.

Our verse for today is from the Book of Job. Job loved God (Job 1:1). He was a wealthy man, blameless and upright. He feared God and rejected evil. Suddenly a series of horrible things happened to Job. He lost all he had at no fault of his own. His livestock, servants and all ten children died, and then he became sick with sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. Yet, he said, “As surely as god lives, who has denied me justice, the Almighty, who has made me taste bitterness of soul, as long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will utter no deceit” (Job 27:2-4 NIV).

Job remembered God’s breath flowed through him. In today’s verse, a young man reminded Job that God made him and God’s very breath gave him life (Job 33:4 NKJV). This verse offers hope spiritually and physically.

When you encounter stress, anxiety and fear, remember God made you, and His very breath gives you life. Breathing deeply can alleviate stress and help you to calm down.

Have you ever noticed when you’re fearful you tend to breathe shallowly or even hold your breath. Whenever you are facing a fear or anxiety, inhale slowly, and very slowly exhale. As you start to practice deep breathing, you’ll see your blood pressure come down.

Breathing deeply is a very practical thing God gave you to use to deal with anxiety.

Today’s One Thing

Take 15 minutes today and practice breathing deeply. What kind of impact does it have on your levels of stress and anxiety? Offer thanksgiving and praise to God for His breath of life flowing through you today.

Receive Devotionals like This in Your Email