Breathing In

I have done mouth to mouth resuscitation many times in my medical career.  I have performed it on apneic newborns, overdose victims, and heart attack sufferers.  Like anything, mouth to mouth is pretty routine when you have done it enough, kind of like riding a bike, but it is important to know the process.  To do it effectively, each of the following steps must be followed, and each done in sequence:

1. Check to see that nothing is obstructing airflow into the patient’s lungs.
2. Position the neck so the airway is straight, and pinch the patient’s nose.
3. Take a deep breath in.
4. Seal  your mouth over the patient’s mouth, and blow.
5. Observe the patient’s chest, to be sure it rises and falls.

It is amazing how effective this simple little procedure is, and how often it has saved a person’s life.

God breathes life into us in a different way, a more enduring way, and helps us in turn to breathe life into those around us.  Jesus said:

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.  (John 10:10 NASB)

I want to live life abundantly, and help others to do the same, but often my efforts have seemed futile or ineffective.  Even worse, they seemed to drain me.  This important truth is changing my life:

In order to give love to others, I must first receive love from God. I must take a deep breath in—soak in God’s presence, and His love for me personally.  The more life-giving love I receive, the more I have, and the more I have to give.

Step #3:  Take a deep breath in. 

How does one take a deep breath in of God’s presence and love?

This is what has worked for me so far:

• Make space in my life to be still and quiet, usually in the early morning.
• Remember that everything in life, including life, is a gift from the father above.
• Focus on the fact that God is with me, and within me, and loves me, and is taking care of me.
• Thank God for who He is, what He is doing, what He has done, and what He will do.
• Listen for His still small voice in the morning.
• Be aware of the many ways He chooses to communicate with me throughout the day.
• Make it your number one priority.  This is probably the most important suggestion I can give.  On your “to do” list, put this item at the top every day:

1. Be loved.

Be loved.

Breathe in God’s life-giving love every day.

It is the most important thing you can do.

His love will give you the joy-filled life you so desire.  In turn He will empower you to breathe life into those around you.

We love, because He first loved us.  (1 John 4:19 NASB)

The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.   (Job 33:4 NASB)

And we have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us.  God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.  (1 John 4:16 NASB)

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”   (Jeremiah 31:3b NASB)

Share with us:  How have you learned to breathe in God’s presence and love every day?  What works for you?