Monday Morning Devotion-July 24, 2023
Take a Deep Breath
The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. Numbers: 6:25-26
*From October 19, 2015
I can recall lots of times that I would see my Mom just take a deep breath and let it out. I'm not sure why she did that. I think it was basically a relaxation method…a stress reliever. Often it was after she had finished a task. It was like, well I got that done now I can move on.
Sometimes it was after she had said something that she wanted you to hear. There just didn't seem to be any one particular situation in which she did this and it wasn't always noticeable when she did. Not sure if taking these deep breaths had any physical benefits for her, but I do know that Mom lived to the ripe old age of 97 & 1/2.
I don't think that pausing to take a deep breath is something that we often think about doing. Sometimes we may do it and not even be aware that we did. If you Google "deep breathing" you will be bombarded with all kinds of deep breathing exercises. Most of them do have substance to them.
The reason I got on this subject is because doing a deep breathing exercise pretty much requires that we stay still and in one place. There's not a lot of jumping around, dancing or fast paced music that is conducive to receiving the benefits of these deep breathing exercises. Basically, we are still and not moving around when we do them. But they are beneficial to us and taking the time to do them reaps its own rewards.
Being still in God's presence is the greatest way to receive His blessings. In "Jesus Calling" we read: "The more you feel hassled the more you need this sacred space of communion with me. Breathe slowly and deeply relax in my Holy Presence.”
There is a certain peacefulness we feel when are quiet in His presence. It is a blessing that is easily received. We often ask God for His blessings and in our scripture lesson today from Numbers we see a good example of what a blessing really is. In this scripture we read about the priestly blessing that God passed on to his people through Moses. God told Moses to pass along to Aaron and his sons the way to bless the people (Israelites).
"The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The Lord turn His face toward you and give you Peace."
LAB says: "The ancient blessing in these scriptures helps us understand what a blessing was supposed to do. In its five parts we see hope conveyed that God would:
1) Bless and keep them (i.e., favor and protect)
2) Make His face shine upon them (be pleased)
3) Be gracious (merciful and compassionate)
4) Turn His face toward them (give His approval)
5) Give Peace
The commentary goes on to point out: "When you ask God to bless others or yourself, you are asking Him to do these five things. The blessing you offer will not only help the one receiving it, it will also demonstrate love, encourage others, and provide a model of caring to others."
And of course, the best way to receive a blessing and understand just what it is, is to spend come quiet time with the Lord. Recently I have discovered, after all these years, the joy of taking a prayer walk in the morning.
I have been taking walks for years, but previously have not made them prayer walks. So, one day after doing my daily devotion, instead of staying put and offering up my prayer, I decided to take a walk and pray while I walked.
One word of caution. To do this you have to pray with your eyes open :) Just wanted to throw that in so I wouldn't be the cause of any accidents by bumping into things or getting run over.
Anyway, I'm blessed to live in a neighborhood and a community that is relatively quiet and peaceful. That in itself is a true blessing from God and something I thank Him for every day.
I've found that it is easy when taking a prayer walk to send up praises and thanksgiving to the Lord. I look at the blue sky, the green grass, and on one street we even have cows grazing in a pasture and each time I am awestruck, once again, with the beauty of His creation. I am always humbled to think that the Omnipotent, mighty Creator of the world cares about little old me and my plight.
I realize there are those reading this devotion who have completely different situations. Many have more challenging life situation; ones that make my trials and tribulations seem petty in comparison.
But here's the deal. God loves everyone one of us equally. He is always there for us. You cannot escape His love. Who would want to? Well, probably nobody, but sometimes we just don't conduct our lives like we are aware of and welcoming His love.
That's why it is a good thing to just be still…Well, if you are walking you are not still, but you can do the important thing…still your troubled mind. It starts with taking a deep breath, then taking one step after another while your conversation with the Lord begins.
I have found that when I am quiet and focused on Him in this way some amazing thoughts and instructions come my way. Recently I have especially been taken back in time to recall things, situations, problems overcome, steps in life's journey that I did not think about at the time in the way I do now.
We are fond of saying the Lord works in mysterious ways. That is true and often some of the mystery is solved and the clutter is cleared when we simply, "Take a Deep Breath" and are quiet in His Presence.
Monday Prayer: Lord thank you for always being there. Amen!