Breath: The Gift of Life

God breathed life into us, His voice speaking creation into existence.

I just took a breath. In and out, I inhaled and exhaled—something we do so naturally, yet often take for granted.

I’m someone who knows what it feels like to struggle for breath. I’ve been under water, fighting for air, without hope, drowning. I also remember taking what I thought was my last breath at six years old, gripped by the fear that I wouldn’t be loved for who I truly was. At that moment, I feared I’d never become the person I hoped to be—a husband, a father. It was a chapter in my story where I might pause and ask the reader: “What would be your priorities if you knew your last breath was coming?”

Yet, with every breath I take today, I am reminded of the incredible gift we’ve been given. God, in His infinite love and grace, has given us the breath of life. We, created in His image, are meant to live in abundant health—breathing freely, unrestricted in body and spirit.

So, how was your last breath?

Did you breathe deeply, inhaling the nutrients of life, filling your lungs with the energy and vitality that sustain you?

Did you exhale everything that no longer serves you—the tension, the anxiety, the uncertainty, the emotions that limit you from fully living?

Or maybe, like me at times, you noticed that you didn’t fully exhale. You’ve been holding your breath—unconsciously gripping onto the weight of stress or worry.

We often carry so much with us, don’t we? Whether it’s fear, anger, or the pressure to “get it right,” it can feel like we’re holding our breath, waiting for the right moment, the right outcome.

It’s not just mental or emotional tension. Physical tension can affect our breath too. When we’re in pain or stressed, our bodies cry out for more air, more space. But so often, we tighten up, trying to muscle through, holding our breath until we reach the next goal or finish the next task.

I had a conversation with my kids recently about how we handle stress, and my son shared a perspective that really stuck with me. He had just started pitching in baseball, and he said that at first, he felt the weight of the game on his shoulders when he was on the mound. He worried that his pitch could decide the game. But then, he remembered his breath.

As he focused on breathing deeply, the anxiety of the moment began to lift.

Breathing is powerful.

Breathing is something we do, and something we’re given.

God has gifted us this breath. We can try to control it, or we can let it flow.

I’ve learned through meditation that releasing the need to control each breath opens up a space where peace can settle in. When I let go of trying to force my breath, it becomes more expansive and nourishing to my body and soul.

Take a moment right now. Notice your breath. How does it feel? How does your body feel?

Are you holding on, trying to control your breath just like you might try to control every situation in life?

Let it go. Let it flow.

Trust that the same God who gave us the breath of life also wants to give us the peace and freedom to breathe deeply, without worry.

Do you believe that the God who created you has your best interests at heart?

Would you like to take your next breath free from anxiety, knowing that you are loved and supported?

Take a moment to listen to your breath. What is your body whispering to you about what it needs?

Breathe deeply, knowing that every breath is a reminder of God’s love and provision. Exhale what no longer serves you, and trust that He will give you all the air you need to live fully and freely.

Breathe as though you are loved by God, loved by others, and most importantly—loved by yourself.

Abundant blessings to you today and always,

Nick