We have a busy household and usually, there is some sort of drama going on with someone somewhere. It goes with the territory of having six kids, with five still living at home.
Sometimes, in the midst of all of the busyness and noise, I do need to take a moment, or several actually, to stop and breathe before deciding what to do (or not to do) next.
Taking a breath is a relaxation technique that helps clear our minds and calms our emotions. The combination of breathing and counting to ten settles us down. The increased oxygen in our lungs, the time gap between the moment we become frustrated or stressed, and the time we finish the exercise enables us to increase our perspective and gives room to be able to whisper a simple prayer of “Help God, and to speak his promises”, which then enables us to better deal with our stress and frustration.
I often hear God’s gentle reminder to “just breathe, slow down and count to ten”. It sounds like a simple thing to do, but it does work. During that time, you can get quiet, focused, gain perspective, re-gather your calm and allow God to lead you to what to do next. We can worry and get so fizzed up about life that we can forget God’s got this and us in his capable hands.
Today as I started to feel stressed, I was prompted to sit, breath and count to ten and then find a promise in God’s word about the situation. Then I prayed, and as a result, I was able to carry on with my day with more peace in my heart and mind, leaving the situation in God's hands.
Next time you are feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to stop, count to ten and breathe so that you can gain new wisdom, calm and clarity on what to do next; and remember, God is with you, and He’s got this.
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24)
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses His people with peace” (Psalm 29:11)
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you are with me. Please help me to stop, count to ten and just breathe. Understanding that helps me refocus, calm down, and listen to your voice telling me what to do next. Thank you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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