Life can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s work stress, family demands, past failures, or the weight of daily responsibilities, many of us find ourselves struggling to catch our breath. If you’ve ever felt like your circumstances are choking you or that you’re drowning in anxiety, you’re not alone.
What Do People Regret Most at the End of Life?
Research conducted by Dr. Carl Pillemer at Cornell University revealed something profound. After surveying over 1,200 senior citizens about their greatest regrets, one response emerged consistently: “We wish we wouldn’t have worried so much.” This finding aligns with statistics showing that 85% of the things we worry about never actually happen.
The Apostle Paul understood this human tendency toward anxiety when he wrote in Philippians 4: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Why Is Anxiety So Prevalent Today?
We’re living in unprecedented times of anxiety and depression. The shared trauma of COVID-19, constant news cycles, and societal pressures have created what could be called another pandemic – one of mental health struggles. Consider these sobering statistics:
- Depression and antidepressant prescriptions are at all-time highs
- There are twice as many suicides as homicides in America
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 11-30
These aren’t just numbers – they represent real people, possibly sitting in our churches, working in our offices, or living in our homes.
Understanding the Connection Between Worry and Breath
The word “worry” in its original meaning comes from terms that mean “to choke” or “to strangle.” This isn’t just poetic language – it’s a perfect metaphor for how anxiety affects us. When we’re overwhelmed, we literally feel like we can’t breathe.
The Physical Impact of Breathing
Every day, we take approximately 22,000 breaths. Each breath is a gift from God, and there’s actual science behind why controlling our breathing helps with anxiety:
- Deep inhales slightly increase heart rate
- Exhales slow the heart rate down
- Synchronized breathing releases endorphins – natural calming chemicals in the brain
- Controlled breathing is one of the most natural pathways to managing anxiety
The Spiritual Significance of Breath
Throughout Scripture, breath and spirit are interconnected:
- Genesis 1: The Spirit (breath) of God hovered over the chaos before creation
- Genesis 2:7: God breathed into man’s nostrils the breath of life
- The name Yahweh: Written as YHWH with no vowels, meant to be breathed
- John 20:21-22: Jesus breathed on the disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit”
When God breathed into Adam, He transformed dirt into divinity. If you feel like your life is nothing but dirt right now, remember that God specializes in breathing life into impossible situations.
Lessons from the Deaf Man in Mark 7
In Mark 7:31-37, we encounter a man who was deaf and could barely speak. His story teaches us three crucial lessons about finding healing:
1. Silence Doesn’t Protect You
This man’s condition left him unable to express his need for help. Similarly, many people suffering from depression and anxiety remain silent, thinking they can handle it alone. But here’s the truth: whatever you can’t talk about controls you.
Depression often manifests as taking on everyone else’s problems while hiding your own. But we can’t solve problems we don’t know about. You must speak up, even if your voice shakes when you do it.
2. Crowds Won’t Heal You
Jesus took the man away from the crowd before healing him. While being part of a church community is important, true healing happens in intimate moments with God. We get inspired in crowds, but we get healed in God’s presence.
3. Jesus Understands Your Struggle
Before healing the man, Jesus looked up to heaven and sighed deeply. Even Jesus sighed. If you’re going through life sighing – at work, in parenting, in marriage – remember that sighing is still breathing. Don’t stop breathing.
The Role of Medicine and Practical Help
It’s worth noting that Jesus used saliva in this healing – something considered medicinal in that culture. This reminds us that God can work through doctors, medicine, and practical solutions. There’s no shame in seeking professional help for mental health struggles.
However, sometimes the medicine we need isn’t the medicine we want. This might include:
- Getting adequate sleep
- Being mindful of what we watch and consume
- Reading Scripture regularly
- Practicing discipline in our spiritual lives
Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table
Psalm 23 tells us that God prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies. Picture this table filled with the finest foods – everything good and nourishing. But every time anxiety or depression hits, we often let the enemy take a seat at our table.
What’s actually on God’s table? The fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If you’re lacking in any of these areas, something else has taken a seat at your table.
Life Application
This week, practice the discipline of breathing with intention. When anxiety rises, remember that God’s peace is available in the present moment – not in the future or past, but right now.
Take time each day to get alone with God, away from the crowds and distractions. Speak honestly about your struggles instead of suffering in silence. Remember that every breath is a gift, and with each exhale, you can release the burdens you were never meant to carry.
Questions for Reflection:
- What worries are currently “choking” your peace and joy?
- Are you suffering in silence, or do you have someone you can talk to about your struggles?
- What needs to be removed from your table so God’s fruit can flourish in your life?
- How can you create more intentional time alone with God this week?
Remember: if you’re just hanging on, that’s enough. You matter. You are chosen. You are valuable. You are brave. Don’t quit. Just keep breathing.