In antenatal classes mothers are encouraged to breathe through the pain of giving birth. We also need to learn how to breathe through creation’s birth pains.
“We may keep so near to God that in every unexpected trial our thoughts will turn to Him as naturally as the flower turns to the sun.” 2 At creation God designed the natural partaking of the human with the divine. It’s amazing to note how the Spirit of God hovered over the waters at creation (Genesis 1:2) and still hovers over the souls of men as He makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered midst the chaos of sin while we groan with the Spirit awaiting our adoption, in sync with all creation that groans with birth pangs (Romans 8:22–26). We need to learn how to breathe through the Spirit.
In antenatal classes mothers are encouraged to breathe through the pain of giving birth. We also need to learn how to breathe through creation’s birth pains. Having observed the pain of giving birth, I am grateful that I will never have to endure it. Yet, every male on planet earth, with everyone else, will experience the painful labor pangs that all creation will endure as this world ends. We all need to practice “breathing” now, so we can naturally breathe through the coming pain. 3 Here are two quotes that have inspired me to learn how to breathe today.
“Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we need not breathe its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Those whose hearts are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth and will have constant communion with heaven.” 4
“Distressed by the increasing wickedness of the ungodly, and fearing that their infidelity might lessen his reverence for God, Enoch avoided constant association with them, and spent much time in solitude, giving himself to meditation and prayer. Thus he waited before the Lord, seeking a clearer knowledge of His will, that he might perform it. To him prayer was as the breath of the soul; he lived in the very atmosphere of heaven.” 5
What conflict and chaos can you expect as the Holy Spirit withdraws from the world? What calm and peace can you expect while breathing in heaven’s atmosphere, despite the worst conflict and chaos? Every Sabbath is weekly breathing practice. Breathe heaven’s atmosphere deep into the soul.
Darrel le Roux pastors the Grand Rapids and the Lowell Fellowship churches and serves as the Grand Rapids district coordinator for the Michigan Conference.
