“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4
As we approach the midpoint of summer, my church has been engaged in an intentional season called A Summer of Renewal and Revival. During the first week, we were invited to do something surprisingly simple: slow down, breathe, and prepare our hearts for what God wants to do in us this summer.
That invitation to breathe stayed with me.
Not because breathing is difficult, but because remembering to breathe intentionally often is.
In the rush of deadlines, family responsibilities, caregiving, ministry, work, and the constant demands of daily life, we sometimes discover that we are holding our breath without even realizing it. It is amazing how often we carry tension in our bodies simply because we have forgotten one of God’s greatest gifts — the breath that gives us life.
One simple phrase has become an important reminder for me: Just breathe.
When I say those words, I am speaking not only to my physical body but also to my weary soul and busy mind.
My yoga instructor gently reminds me as I stretch and move, ‘Just breathe, Sheila.’ When I forget, I often hold my breath. But when I intentionally inhale and exhale, something shifts. I find strength. I find endurance. I find rhythm.
Breathing becomes more than a physical act. It becomes a spiritual practice.
I have come to believe that breathing is a love language for my body.
Intentional breathing helps me remain grounded when life feels overwhelming. It restores me. Deep, steady breaths calm my nervous system, release tension, and remind me that my body deserves gentleness instead of constant pressure.
Breathing is also a love language for my spirit.
Whenever I begin or lead a spiritual direction session, one of my first questions is, ‘How is your breathing?’ It may seem like an unusual question, but our breath often tells the truth before our words do. Slow, intentional breathing centers us in God’s presence and opens our hearts to trust.
Job 33:4 reminds us, “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”
Every breath is sacred.
Finally, breathing is a love language for my mind.
Research continues to affirm what many of us have experienced firsthand. Deep, rhythmic breathing increases oxygen flow to the brain, improves focus, quiets racing thoughts, and eases the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety. When we breathe deeply, we return to the present moment. We create space for clarity instead of chaos.
As summer continues, many of us are still busy. Vacations, family reunions, church events, community gatherings, and everyday responsibilities can quickly fill our calendars. Before we know it, another season has passed without ever allowing ourselves to simply be.
Perhaps renewal is not found in adding one more thing to our to-do list.
Perhaps renewal begins with one intentional breath.
As we continue through the second half of summer, I invite you to practice this simple act of renewal each morning before you reach for your phone, check your email, or begin your to-do list.
Pause.
Take three slow, intentional breaths.
With each inhale, thank God for the gift of another day.
With each exhale, release whatever you were never meant to carry alone.
Notice what shifts.
Sometimes renewal doesn’t begin with a major life change. Sometimes it begins with one intentional breath.
May this summer be a season of renewal, revival, and remembering that the breath of the Almighty still gives us life.
Take a slow breath in.
Release it slowly.
Then remember that every breath is a reminder that you are alive, loved, held, and continually being renewed by God.
Sometimes the holiest thing we can do is simply…
Breathe.
