The Breath of God
In the beginning of the Bible, God spoke the world and everything in it into existence. On day one, He created light and separated the light from darkness, creating "day" and "night." On day two, He separated water from water, which created the sky. On day three, He created dry ground and called it "land." He also made plants and trees on this day. On day four, God made the sun, moon, and stars. On day five, He created all the living creatures of the sea and birds in the sky. On day six, all other animals and mankind were created. God said that He made mankind in His image. Finally, on day seven, God rested. (Genesis 1-2)
When I think about God's creation, I'm reminded of how much He truly loves us. If you think about it, He made everything so beautiful, including you! Think of the sunsets, the way flowers bloom, the sound of the ocean, the smell of a horse. All these details He made so we could enjoy His creation and find comfort in His presence. Every time we see His beautiful nature, we should remember to thank Him because it is such a gift.
One night this past week, I was having a really hard time emotionally. I felt like I was battling myself and my inner emotions that I couldn't control. I felt overwhelmed and consumed by anger, frustration, and pure annoyance. Someone could look at me the wrong way and I would feel attacked. I was more than anything frustrated with myself for not being able to overcome it. I felt isolated and confused, while trying to work through it the best way I could in the moment.
I decided to go out to the pasture with my horses. It was pitch black outside, except for the light coming from the moon. Normally I am not one to go out in the dark pasture because that can creep me out, but this time, I didn't care.
My horse Grace saw me coming from afar and started calling out to me. She quickly moved toward the gate and waited for me to get there. As I approached the gate, I knew exactly what I needed…horse smells and snuggles. Grace is a great horse for snuggles! (And smells!)
As I sat there at the gate, I began crying just out of complete aggravation with myself. Grace then put her head on my shoulder, just in the most perfect position for me to both hear and feel her breathing on my neck. It was the most calm, solid breathing I had ever heard an animal make. She was so gentle with her breathing. It helped me gain control of my own breathing and brought me from an anxious state to a calm state very quickly.
I then started praying over her and myself. As I sat there feeling her breath on me, I was reminded of the breath of God and everything He created with it, including my sweet Grace.
It shifted my heart of nervousness, confusion, and chaos to a heart of gratitude for creating such a beautiful animal and using that animal to touch and heal me from the night I was having.
I believe that God wants to show up for us in a similar way when we turn to Him. He wants to transform our nerves into peace, our confusion into clarity, and our doubt into confidence. He wants to bring us His wisdom, love, and discernment.
If you don't know how to turn to God or what to say to Him, just begin by proclaiming the name of Jesus. Call upon Him, and He will hear your cry and answer! Try going out into nature and praise Him for everything He has made. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you through His creation.
Remember, He created these beautiful things for our enjoyment, but also for us to see Him in all of it. He loves you so much and I pray the breath of God would bless you immensely today!
Journal Prompt: What is your favorite part of nature? What do you like to do that reminds you of God's creation? Try to do whatever that thing is at least once this week and praise Him and thank Him for all that He's done for you.
Ref: John 20:21-22, Isaiah 58:9a
