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.

1. Breath is a Gift from God

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

2. It’s Not a Sin to be Sick

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.