As I taught childbirth classes last night, I reminded the students that breathing slowly and deeply will be a life skill for both women and men. We tend to breathe too shallowly because of stressful living. I encourage everyone to take five slow and deep breaths every waking hour while consciously releasing muscle tension. It never fails; everyone is always surprised how taking a few moments in an hour to breathe and release tension can actually give an energy boost.
We tend to get used to living with tension and stress, failing to realize the difference in living without it. The picture of the Israelites’ release depicts humanity’s need for deliverance from the pressures and power of problems.
I am not sure anyone would really be prepared for the deliverance scene in Exodus . . . Moses raises his hand over the sea . . . a path opens through the water . . . a strong east wind rises . . . blows all night . . . a gigantic blow dryer . . . and the bottom of the sea becomes dry land. The Israelites had perceived life through their experience of oppression; however, the parting waters and dry ground created a visual image of God making a way for the people to fully experience freedom.
The Apostle Paul explained in 2 Corinthians 3:17: Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom.
God makes a way for humanity to experience freedom from the weight of problems, challenges, and messes in life. Freedom doesn’t make sense because humanity experiences the pressure of living every day. Even so, God has made a way to be free through surrendering to the presence of Christ. The act of surrender releases you and I to receive His peace, Shalom.
Remember God always makes a way for you to be delivered from the pressures and power of problems and trials.
Take time to slow down today.
Breathe.
Breathe deeply and slowly.
Become aware of the presence of God.
Release your tension.
Surrender your pressure.
Receive the shalom of God.
Give thanks for freedom.
Celebrate.
Learning with you to be released from pressures to live freely,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)
