August 25, 2021
- John 20:19b-21
Our breathing is so embedded in how we humans are created that we don’t even think about it. We breathe in, we breathe out. In and out, in and out, day after day.
But there are times that we forget the importance of breath. Sometimes we need to stop and take a deep breath. Amid anxiety or worry or plain old busyness, we can feel overwhelmed.
The Holy Spirit is quite literally the “breath of God.” That’s why Jesus’ encounter with the disciples in this text is so meaningful. The Spirit is our advocate, accompanying us through the ups and downs, the ins and outs, day after day. And yet sometimes we don’t recognize the power of the Spirit, or we forget to acknowledge the Spirit’s presence. We try to rely on ourselves, and we fail.
When we experience moments when life feels anxious, when we feel overwhelmed, Jesus reminds us that there is a solution.
Take a breath.
Allow God’s Holy Spirit to wash over you.
Let Jesus restore your soul.
Reflection
Take a deep breath, then let it out. Imagine the Holy Spirit filling you up, giving you all that you need for today.
Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit and help me to remember each day that the Spirit is with me. Amen.
Lori Buegler
