But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
— Isaiah 43:1-3, ESV
It’s Monday. A new week awaits with its tasks and to-do lists and busyness and expectations. We’ve just wrapped up a beautiful and intense discussion of Justice together, and in a couple days — this Wednesday, August 6th— we’ll start a brand new study on the book of Hebrews.
But today, can we take a moment and just sit together?
I struggle with Mondays. I struggle with balancing the excitement and motivation of seeing the week stretched out before me — fresh and new and waiting for me to Get It Together — with the fear that I’ll just plain get it all wrong. Or, worse still, that I won’t muster up the courage to try. Sometimes I worry that everything will change, and sometimes I worry it will stay the same. I admit, it all sounds pretty irrational when I put it down on paper.
Do you see hopes and fears and unknowns when you look at the week ahead? Rather than charge into a new reading plan today, let’s take some time to sit at the feet of Jesus. Let’s breathe deep and remember how He’s called us by name. We are His. Let’s give Him all the scary and the beautiful looming around the corner, and let’s remind one another that our God is trustworthy and faithful and good.
He is with us—each of us—right now, right where we are. Let’s rest in Him.
“Had the Lord Jesus been far away from us, with many a stormy sea between, we should have longed to send a messenger to Him to carry Him our loves, and bring us tidings from his Father’s house; but see His kindness, He has built His house next door to ours, nay, more He takes lodging with us, and tabernacles in poor humble hearts, that so He may have perpetual communion with us.”
— CH Spurgeon, Morning and Evening
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60 thoughts on "breathe"
Loving this today. It came in the most perfect timing. My husband is looking for a new job and recently applied and had an interview at a place. We will hear this week the outcome. More than wondering and worrying about this job I need to sit and rest at the feet of Jesus. To just breath. Thank you for the reminder. He's got it. :)
Typo meant “us”
Praise The Lord, LaurenC! I’m glad I came back to this post for this confirmation which is what God has been saying to me for months, “Be still and know that I am God.” Thank you for your obedience to comment and thank You Jesus for giving is more than we could ever ask for and imagine!
This is so so me every Monday morning :)! Often, after a great weekend I find myself in just the place on Monday mornings, overwhelmed, fearful, unsure of the week ahead, how I will make it thru another work week (a job I love, but one I step out in faith each day to do). I have to remind myself during my work day to breathe :)….I am so very thankful to the Lord for showing me what I can only accomplish in his strength not my own. What a wonderful devotion to see this am, to sit as his feet as I start my day (another Monday).. Praising him for the breath he gives !!! Thank you!
This is so so me every Monday morning :)! Often, after a great weekend I find myself in just the place on Monday mornings, overwhelmed, fearful, unsure of the week ahead, how I will make it thru another work week (a job I love, but one I step out in faith each day to do). I have to remind myself during my work day to breathe :)….I am so very thankful to the Lord for showing me what I can only accomplish in his strength not my own. What a wonderful devotion to see this am, to sit as his feet as I start my day (another Monday).. Praising him for the breath he gives !!! Thank you!
Gosh I love these "catch your breath" days in between our studies. This afternoon I read Matthew 23, when Jesus delivers the woes to the Pharisees. I always get caught up in these parts, worried that one day my heart would be like them – I'm fearful of giving into pride, my desire for control and the need to always be right. I journaled about the passage, and moved onto this reading. Isaiah 43 nearly echoed my prayers! I was amazed, yet again, how clearly the Lord can speak to me sometimes. He tells us not to be afraid, I will not be overwhelmed, He has called me by name and I KNOW I am His! You can find more thoughts on my Instagram account @katsmith1026 if you like. If not – blessings as you continue on with your weeks, dear sisters!
I am new to the She Reads Truth community and I am excited to start the Hebrews study! I needed this reminder today as well, my husband came home from an 8 month deployment 2 months ago and he's about to head out for another one. Definitely need to be reminded of my Anchor and simply rest in Him.
Prayed for you this morning in your anxiousness. He is your Anchor and Protector, Giver of Peace. I pray that peace envelops you both this week. In Jesus' name. Thank you to your husband for his service! ♥
We are so happy to have you in this community! Excited for you to join us for Hebrews tomorrow!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
"Most Christians make the mistake of trying to walk in order to be able to sit, but that is a reversal of the true order. Our natural reason says, *If we do not walk, how can we ever reach the goal? What can we attain without effort? How can we ever get anywhere if we don't move?* But Christianity is a queer business! If at the outset we try to do anything, we get nothing; if we seek to attain something, we miss everything. For Christianity begins not with a big DO, but with a big DONE." -Watchman Nee; Sit, Walk, Stand
I saw the title of this, and then the verse posted, and felt that this paragraph was so important for all of us to read. The hardest thing, and yet the most important thing for us to do is to rest everything we have — good and bad– in Christ. Everything else just gets taken care of because of how much love He has for us. Isn't it wonderful?! Have a blessed day!! Or I guess night by now… ;)
Enjoyed so much the Justice study…and now greatly enjoying a much needed Breath…
My husband is a UMC Pastor and we were recently moved the farthest from our families we have ever been… I was pulled away from a job I loved and now at a new job that is a struggle to go to every day.
I am seeking direction and peace, and prayers are greatly appreciated!
Hugs and Love to you ALL, sweet sisters…
JK
This is so beautiful and timely. I feel so tired this Monday with an entire week of expectations ahead. My only choice is to rest in God's presence and take one day at a time, knowing that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Wow that's a trip…I feel like the Lord has been directing my attention to Hebrews for the past two weeks and I've been wondering Lord what is it that you want me to get out of this book? ….I'm hoping that He starts revealing His word to me in this book with this next study.
I really needed this today. Thank you.
Like many of you, this devotional was so timely. In just a short couple of weeks I am moving out of my parents’ house into a dorm as a freshman in college. I am so close to my parents- they are my best friends. The approaching move-in day is bittersweet. I am so excited to begin this next chapter in my life, but I am also scared and sas to be leaving my parents. I have been trying to lay my anxieties about school and my new life at God’s feet. I know he has great plans in store for me at college, but the unknown is scary. This past study about justice has motivated me to get involved on campus and be a voice for the oppressed. I needed today’s devo to rest in God and really listen to him. I needed a breather before I start this journey. Thank you SRT for being an amazing outlet and support group
Thank you, Amanda, for today's devotional, and all you ladies for your shares. The past week has been filled with anxiety and insomnia… which feed on each other, leaving me exhausted and tearful this morning. The visual of taking a deep breath, laying my head in Jesus' lap, and weeping as I give my cares to Him is giving me a sense of blessed relief. I will take some time for healthy self care today, as I prepare for a busy week ahead. I'm praying for all of you.
This is definitely a must needed today for me and my mother. The week and months ahead. Sometimes it is scary to think about, sometimes is exciting and sometimes just pretty overwhelming. But this beautiful reminder to just breath… we needed that and I shared this with her.
Loving this today. It came in the most perfect timing. My husband is looking for a new job and recently applied and had an interview at a place. We will hear this week the outcome. More than wondering and worrying about this job I need to sit and rest at the feet of Jesus. To just breath. Thank you for the reminder. He’s got it. :)
I feel quite the same. Mondays are definitely a mixture of feelings. In many ways I find them fresh and exciting with so many possibilities and opportunities…and in other ways they can be a little overwhelming and I have fears that I may waste all the good I see in them and/or fear what lies ahead for the week that I'm not anticipating. This morning I'm taking a deep breath and quietly sitting with God trusting in His plan for me in the week ahead.
Thank you for this message today. So timely…an opening of restoration to a relationship with my Mom is also the start of closing as she is of frail health and I am going to the Dr.'s with her for news of how this will go midweek…I am praying for Sheri & Jenn as a survivor, healed of a long-ago-broken heart, knowing God's skilled hand and attentive care through the pain…I'm praying for Kellie and Angel too. 10th Ave. North is gifted with many songs and let's listen to some if able today in addition to sitting at Jesus' feet.
Looking forward to studying Hebrews.Bless you all.
Good morning, ladies. I’m new to the SRT community, but I’ve been so blessed by you already. God knows what we need even before we realize we need it. I’m about to begin my very first year of teaching…in a classroom for exceptional students with severe and profound disabilities. I know without a doubt that God has called me to embark on this new journey, but that doesn’t keep me from feeling anxious and nervous and quite unprepared. I needed to take a moment this morning to just breathe. And know that HE is with me every step of the way.
Good morning Shanda! I was skimming through the comments and saw yours – I HAD to respond! I've been teaching exceptional education for four years in the high school setting for students with significant intellectual disabilities. This is where the Lord has put my heart! I love reaching out to teens and adults with ID, teaching them, and ministering to them. Where will you be teaching, & what grade level? I'm also involved in an outreach ministry, Young Life Capernaum – you should look into them as well if you feel as though you're called to do more outside of the classroom. If you like you can find me on Instagram @katsmith1026. Blessings over the start to a new school year for you!
Welcome, Shanda! We are so happy to have you with us. Praying for you as you begin your first year of teaching-I know that God will do immeasurably more in and through you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Praying for you Angela.
Thank you!
Thank you. Grateful for these promises as I start a new week.
Oh, how I needed this today!! In September, on the same day, both of my parents were diagnosed with cancer – Mom with breast, Dad with prostate. Dad's was very treatable with radiation, which he finished at Christmas. Mom had to go through chemo and radiation. When my mom was finishing up her chemo, my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He's young, so that's not good. On top of that, the urologist and oncologist at Cleveland Clinic are baffled by his case. It's unique and can't be treated (by them). So we are traveling – very frequently – to the national institute of health in Bethesda, right outside of DC. I'm. So. Worn. Having a ten, almost eleven, year old son, being self employed with my husband, and trying to hold it together for everyone…. I needed this breath today. I needed to just sit at Jesus's feet and let him stroke my head. I needed to curl up in my heavenly Daddy's lap and just cry…I know He is in control. I know He has this. I'm just worn. That's become my anthem…the song Worn by Tenth Avenue North. I know things can be worse. And I know I can get through this because He won't give me more than I can carry. But I'm so so drained… Please, God, carry me. Help me. Give me strength and courage. Have a blessed Monday, sisters. And please pray for my husband!!!
Praying.
Thank you, Heidi!
I cannot begin to fathom what you have been through this past year! Oh friend, God is near when we hurt, even when we THINK He is not. My prayer for you today: Jesus, please let Angela, and her sweet family, FEEL Your presence, Your peace and comfort that only comes from knowing You. You alone are Hope and Joy…happiness is just a feeling, Lord, let them have JOY, it is eternally wrapped up in You! We also know You are a healer, THE Healer, more than able to take care of this sickness. Help this family to rest in the comfort and knowledge that YOU are in control. Give them perfect peace in the Name above all Names, Jesus. ♥
Thank you Candacejo!!!
My heart aches just reading your post, and yet I haven't the faintest. I will be praying for complete healing for your Mom, Dad and Husband. I pray that God heal with such profoundness, others turn to Him, because of your story. I pray that, in the meantime, God cover you with a strength and capability you don't know you have. That you move in Him, so that you don't have to move on your own accord, that He carry you and provide all that your spirit is needing right now. That He provide the words, the courage, the support that your loved ones require and that you find yourself so overwhelmed with His grace in this that it's like a mighty ocean around you! ~ B
Thank you so much!!
I really appreciate this exhortation to rest. I just finished a weeklong vacation with my family at the beach, and this Monday looms even more frightening as I get back into the swing of things. Nevertheless, I was already feeling expectant to see Jesus in the everyday, but now even more so! Thank you for the reminder to cast all those cares on him because he cares for me and to boldly walk forward in the mundane – we don't have to be by the ocean to know his rest :) be blessed, sisters!
,Oh how I need to breath! In my Daily Bread devotion this morning there was a quote. "PRESISTANT PRAYER PLEASES GOD! It remembered the woman with a daughter with a demon and how she kept at it and Jesus healed her daughter. May I be PRESISTANT. My prayers for Sheri and Jenn this morning as they cling to Jesus. He does answer our prayers, but not how we think he should sometimes. He knows what is down the road for us. " this is the day The Lord has made. I will be glad and rejoice in it". Blessing for each of you as we " breath".
Such a good read this morning. On Saturday, I put my 16 year old on another plane bound for a city we used to live in. A place she loved and it was very hard to leave. That morning she came to me in tears, so afraid of returning and feeling overwhelmed by the sour memories we have of it, They were very real in our final year there. I comforted her as best I could reminding her that it is just a place, that the memories it holds are what we make of it, focus on the good, let go of the bad and find new and beautiful things to share. She called me that night to tell me she was happy to be there and was looking forward to the week. This morning as I prepare to pick her up there later in the week and visit the city myself, I am beginning to feel the same apprehensions. Isn't it funny what bubbles up in us? As I ready myself for this travel and turn my apprehensions to God i must remember to breathe in the process. Thanks for this, exactly what I needed! ~ B
Sheri, wow so glad you shared your story. It couldnt have come at a better time as I too am going through an almost identical time. I’ve prayed and prayed that if this isnt the man who God has chosen for me then to please please take him out of my heart. And He doesn’t. And mine is not engaged yet, but he is in fact living with another woman. All seems hopeless and it is heartbreaking. Ugh! Prayers for you and your pain and I hope to recieve some extra prayers over this situation as I just feel absolutelt defeated.
I'm thinking about you Jenn and sorry you are going through a painful time with the end of your relationship. I believe God is working in this time and perhaps He has more to say to you right now, before He releases this man from your heart. Claim your victory in Jesus!
thank you. i needed this this morning.
Amen and amen! Taking the time to breathe and rest in Him.
Sister's, friends, Good morning…Sister's, friends, friends morning….I am here at a weeklong conference in Somerset, England…we had great worship, and praise, the presence of God was here for sure….then we heard the author of The Shack…Paul W. Young….an amazing man, who has blessed many, many people…, speak…He read about the injustice of loss in our broken world….and then proceeded to read something he had written some 18 months ago, a poem or diary entry, something like that…from the suicide of a cousin, through to a daughter with a tumour, inoperable, to the shooting at a school forgive me for not remembering the name) , to the madness of the loss of life through war….I sat in tears for each person affected, and myself, …I hurt, I hurt…so very much….
So yes please Lord Jesus,May I sit at your feet, with tears flowing, to rest and breathe in your healing love, your presence, your embracing arms to surround me to know your peace…Lord God, I pray this pray,for all who walk this walk of tragedy, and loss….Lord, I pray your presence in and around each and every person affect with the heartbreak, dreams shattered, hope….unseen, through blurred eyes….and confusion…wrap your loving arms around them Lord and me, that we may know, all is not lost….just out of sight, for this little while, because in YOU Lord Jesus we do have hope,….Thank you Lord God thank you…..
God bless you totally and abundantly my sister's….always….with love…xxx
What an opportunity, Tina! Blessings as you drink it all in this week. ♥
Tina, you are such a blessing to this community! Thank you, as always, for your words and thoughts. I pray for you everyday.
The timing for this post couldn’t be any more perfect!! This is exactly what I needed to hear this morning. Today we begin a week of moving across the country so my husband can pursue a job and to say it’s had me on an emotional roller coaster would be just the tip of the ice berg. We are both emotional about leaving family and friends behind and starting over in a new place, but probably myself even more so as it is hard to watch some one else getting to walk out in their hopes and dreams when I often feel like mine are still out of reach. I’m praying that the move would begin smoothly today and also that The Lord would minister to my heart and I would know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he sees me and he cares for me. Sheri-praying the same thing for you today and that your heart would be healed. So sorry to hear that things are going differently than you would have hoped. Be blessed on this Monday, sisters. Let’s rest in Him today.
Morning everyone! This is just so real. Another week filled with expectations and nowhere to start. It can be so overwhelming that even though you planned ahead, everything still crashes, but still we have our Father, our Savior in whom we find rest. Let us seek Him at the beginning of the week that He may guide us through it all.
Thank You Lord that you are never too far when we need you.
oh sweet friends. i think i need to jusy breathe more than ever. i had been praying with expectant hope – i believed with every ounce of my being god was going to answer my prayers- believed for the past year he kept showing me that.
last week the opposite of that prayer got answered. the restoration of the relationship with the love of my life, my best friend- all that confident hope was shattered right before my very feet. hes engaged now to someone else and this past week has stolen everything from me. my hope, my faith, my health, my strength. so absolutely devastated.
i dont understand and seeing that i clearly cant discern gods voice just tops it all. im trying to reach out to my christian friends but just feel like im complaining.
at church i felt like a fraud. i just feel like everything i had. my trust my belief. it feels like ive been totally let down. i dont even know how to cope friends. but maybe ill start with just trying to breathe.
So sorry Sheri! Praying for you today, for strength to get through the sadness and pain and for the peace of Jesus that goes beyond our understanding. Holy Spirit, hold and heal Sheri. Bless you.
Oh, Sheri. Bless your sweet heart. When our prayers are not answered the way we think they should be it is such a disappointment and easy to think that God has let us down. Dear friend, He has not forsaken you! He knows the path that you take and what is best for you because HE sees down the road. Please do not be offended, and I know it is hard to see this now, or even hear it, but what if God was protecting you from even more disappointment? There are so many "what ifs" and only God knows all of the answers. But trust us when we say that He loves you and maybe this WAS an answer to prayer, just a prayer you had not prayed yet.
When we pray God's will in all things we can come to trust He knows what is best, no matter how it works out.
Jesus, please wrap Your loving arms around Sheri and let her know she belongs to you, regardless of her circumstances and life situations. Help her to breathe, to have peace knowing You are in control. Give her patience for this season of life. In Jesus' name. ♥
Sheri, His thoughts are different from ours, and so are His ways. He knows the thoughts He has towards us, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give us an expected end. God doesn't always give us what we want. He gives us what's best. Trust Him, you will be glorifying Him for what He has done. He is the beginning and the end, therefore let Him have His own sweet way. It is difficult but with Christ you will be alright.
God bless you and may you find His peace that passeth all understanding.
Sheri, I am so sorry that you've encountered such pain. Know that, with God, there is always more work being done than you could possibly be aware of. Only He knows what the future holds, and as glum as it may seem now, His plans are so much better than what we could imagine. I speak from experience when I say that He has something so extraordinary in mind for you. He will not leave you where you are, there is more to your story. I know at this moment though, the pain you feel is very real. In that, try hard to not listen to anything the enemy throws at you, it's a season, a hard one, but God is with you, He will replenish you, He will lift you up and He will restore your trust and faith. Definitely just breathe Sheri and pour all that you have into Him.
I am praying that God gives you a glimpse of His heart for you as you move into today. That He boldly move on your behalf where you feel your stuck and that He brings such peace over the situation that your smile illuminates dark places for others. With you sister! ~ B
Sheri, I recently went through a similar experience. I thought I was with the guy I was meant to marry one day, but God had other plans. After he unexpectedly ended our relationship, I turned to God – thats all I could do. I now know that God has a plan and knows what is best for us even when we don’t agree at first. It still hurts, but I lean on God. I know he has a plan for me. I prayed for you this morning. God will always be there for you, no matter what:)
Sheri – I don't know what to say to make it all better, but I do know how you feel. I sometimes pray and believe God really is telling me something (for someone else) but I'm afraid to tell them how confident I am of what I believe to be true (and from God) for fear that it's just me and not wanting to mislead them. It's hard when you're so confident of something and it turns out you're wrong about it. If nothing else, you're not alone. We know that sting of what feels like a smack in the face! In the end God knows what is truly best for each of us and what looks like a loss could really be a blessing in the end. Trust God. :) Big hugs!!!!
Hey Sheri, I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you this evening and I will say a prayer for you. I'm sorry you are feeling such pain. I will breathe with you and pray this for you:
"Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be."
Beautiful Amanda — thanks for the Holy Spirit moment of rest and the time to breathe deeply in Him and these words at the end of a wonderful , intense study of "Justice" as we look forward to Hebrews … can't be any better … than a REST with Him, in Him and because of Him: those "fears and unknowns" are significantly altered just by our HOPE(S) in Jesus Christ— our anchor and rest in the midst of any storm or our wind beneath our sails (wings) when it is calm, as now … after a beautiful restful SONday …
Isaiah 43:2 breathe, inhale and then exhale …. (my August desktop from Crosscards (dot) com has this so this one is perfect and ever before me whenever I may/might feel overwhelmed, this promise anchors me as does the verse that tells us Jesus is our hope, our anchor!!! (which fantastically is found in the book of Hebrews 6:19 … "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,"… HOPE (and this verse among many on HOPE) is My One Word for 2014; so I am Holding On and Praying Expectantly!
So looking forward to the challenge of reading and studying Hebrews together… great choice to follow Justice! It will be deep and faith building
… lifting up prayers for sleep deprived new mummy Claire (congrats!!!) and our dear missionary sojourner in Estonia/Latvia area ("pushing back the darkness" great post that you shared) Nanette (Candacejo) I can see why your emotions were such … but praying God's blessings over you and Sweetheart; and ALL of our SUPER SRT SISTERS in Christ …
Praising God for all He is and will speak to us through Hebrews from beginning to end!
Thank you SRT team writers and also the Justice Guest writers for a very motivational and inspirational study of God's Word and Justice (too) … impactful and powerful for days to come … expecting to see Jesus revealed as our High Priest as we dig into Our Mighty God and His Word deeper … may blessing abound and enrich our personal lives as God and this study meets us once again right where we are!
Love to you all as we press on and draw closer to God,
Peggy
(oh and I often depend on HOPE as I look ahead to the week, Amanda, especially if I have fears or unknowns to deal with and confront; cuz without that hope … I'm thinking I might curl up in a ball and stay cuddled at the feet of Jesus, comfy; but life doesn't allow me to do that -yet) My hope and faith is what helps me through each new day, one more step at a time, leaning on God and His Spirit for direction.
Plus here's one of my favorites with a beautiful song for this, although there are many beautiful ones with "Breathe" (Kari Jobe: "HERE") I love it especially in Spanish …
Chorus: Breathe in … Breathe out
You will
You will find Him here
Lyrics: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/karijobe/here.html
YT official Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TeIHxQdjys
Spanish version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr0xBO4hLNI
Thank you Peggy, so good to hear from you again. Blessings dear friend, missionary and child of God! ♥
Awww Candacejo, thanks! :0) I am so blessed to be able to be God's child and do what I do, wherever He has me as you! Blessings …I've been here, just lurking again in the background, withholding my lengthy comments)…:) Love and prayers… Peggy
Thanks, Amanda. Just what I needed this morning. I had finished an intense blog post a few moments ago that had my emotions all over the place. The WORLD is an intense place and we must BREATHE in Jesus. Every day.
Blessings to all of my sisters as you go and share Jesus this week! ♥
Today's post seems very apt. Yesterday in church we looked at Ephesians and how we are sat with Christ
Ephesians 2:6 NIV
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
We sit when the job is done, we sit to reflect, we sit to rest. All so important. But also to know we are sat with Christ we can listen to him and with him to know what he has planned for us. As a very sleep deprived Mummy this is truth I need to hear!