When Life Knocks the Breath Out of You

How to praise when you feel constricted, crushed, or out of air

Several years ago one of my children was diagnosed with asthma.

I didn’t know much about asthma at that point, but during an attack, as the airways constrict and narrow, it becomes difficult to breathe. I think we can all agree that breathing is pretty important!

Every system in our body relies on oxygen. I think we can all agree that getting sufficient air, sufficient breath, is an essential element of survival. Breathing easily greatly affects our ability to live full and fulfilled lives.

When breath is restricted, it affects everything.

It struck me how similar this can feel in our spiritual lives.

The psalmist calls “everything that has breath [to] praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6 NIV) and yet sometimes life leaves us breathless. There are moments—perhaps you’re in one right now—when challenges close in so tightly that it feels impossible to praise. Disappointment, grief, stress, fear… they constrict our hearts, much like tightened airways, and we’re left gasping for hope.

An asthmatic often needs help to breathe easily again. An inhaler works by relaxing the muscles that have tightened around the airways and creating space for air to flow freely. I can’t help but think how much we sometimes need that same kind of help. We need God to step in, to create space where we feel crushed, and to give us breath again.

And here’s the good news: He does.

Psalm 18:19 says, “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me” (NIV). Isn’t that beautiful? God doesn’t just rescue us out of duty; He rescues us because He delights in us.

Maybe you’re reading this and you feel like you’ve hit a dead end. You want to praise, but it feels impossible because the weight of life is so suffocating. Can I remind you of God’s words to Ezekiel? “I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 37:6 NIV).

You don’t have to manufacture the breath. You don’t have to force life into your own dry bones. He will do it.

“The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Job 33:4 NIV

So right now, take a moment to pause.

• Breathe in.

• Breathe out.

• Repeat.

You are not alone. You are not without hope. The God who “gives everyone life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:25 NIV) is with you. He’s got this. And He’s got you.

Where do you feel most ‘breathless’ in this season, and how can I be praying for you?

Praying that you feel His Spirit filling your lungs and lifting your heart this week,

Em

If this post encouraged you, why not share it with a friend who needs a reminder to stand firm in God’s strength?