Genesis 2:7 And the LORD GOD formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul. [King James translation]
Summary
The book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, is about origins and beginnings. The very first words, in the first verse, in the first chapter of Genesis are: “In the beginning GOD….” In Greek the word “Genesis” means origin. In Latin, the word means “beginnings.” The book of Genesis describes the origin of light, darkness, day, night, the heavens, the earth, land, vegetation, the moon, and the stars. The book of Genesis also describes the creation of birds, fish, animals, and mankind.
The creation of man is actually described in two parts. In Genesis, Chapter 1, the creation of man’s spiritual origins is discussed. Genesis 1:26-27 states:
Then GOD said, ‘“Let us make a man---someone like ourselves, to be master of all life upon the earth and in the skies and in the sea.’ So GOD made man like his Maker.”
This scripture about man’s “spiritual” creation is consistent with John 4:24, which states: “GOD is a Spirit: and they that worship HIM must worship HIM in spirit and in truth.”
The second part of mankind’s creation addresses man’s “physical” or bodily creation. In Genesis, Chapter 2, the Bible states:
The time came when the Lord GOD formed a man’s body from the dust of the ground and breathed into it the breath of life. And man became a living person.
GOD breathed into the body of man's life and then man became a physical living being. GOD’s BREATH is essential for life.
BREATH, STRESS & HEALTH
In a New York Times article entitled “Americans Are Among the Most Stressed People in the World, Poll Finds,” by Niraj Chokshi in 2019, it was reported that “Americans report experiencing stress, anger and worry at the highest levels in a decade,” according to a 2018 Gallup poll study of more than 150,000 people around the world. The study found that “being under 50, earning a low income and having a dim view of President Trump's job performance were correlated with negative experiences among adults in the United States.” This Gallup poll study also found that while stress declined globally, anger increased. Worry and sadness were at new heights and feelings of physical pain remained unchanged. Chad topped the list as the country with the most negative experiences. Other African countries, like Niger and Sierra Leone, were also high on the list of counties with negative experiences as wells as Middle Eastern countries, like Iraq and Iran. In 2018, based on the study, Latin America led the countries with the most positive experiences, despite the fact that in some Latin American countries, like Honduras and El Salvador, had some of the world’s highest murder rates. See, “Americans Are Among the Most Stressed People in the World, Poll Finds, Niraj Chokshi, The New York Times, April 25, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/25/us/americans-stressful.html
According to, “What Stress Does To the Body,” in WebMD, stress can take its toll on a person’s physical and mental health. Research has shown that stress has been connected to chronic problems like high blood pressure, obesity, depression and more. Id.
Stress can cause panic attacks in some individuals, sometimes causing a person to breathe faster, harder or hyperventilate. It may even cause long term health problems, such as consistent high heart rate and increased levels of stress hormones, increasing a person’s risk of heart attack, stroke, and hypertension. These can affect a person’s cholesterol levels and cause inflammation in the body. Id.
In “10 Tips for Managing Stress,” WebMD, offers a number of ways of dealing with some of life’s stressors. WebMD’s list includes:
- Exercise – Working out regularly is one of the best ways to relax your body and your mind.
- Relax Your Muscles – Stretch, enjoy a massage, take a hot bath or shower, get a good night’s sleep.
- Deep Breathing – Just stop and take a few deep breaths
- Eat Well – Eating regularly and well-balanced meals may help you feel better and may help control your mood.
- Slow Down - Look at your life and find ways to do this. (For example, set your watch ahead 5 or 10 minutes to avoid “being late.” On the road, travel in the slower lane to avoid road rage. Don’t try to answer all your e-mails; just a few.
- Take A Break – Plan some real down time. Give your mind time off from the stress. Restful things you can do include: Prayer, Music, Spending time in Nature, Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation
- Make Time for Hobbies - Relaxing hobbies for some include: Reading, Knitting, Doing an Art Project, Playing Golf, Watching a Movie, Doing Puzzles, Playing Card or Board Games.
- Talking About Your Problem- Talk with family member, friends, a trusted clergyman or clergywoman, your physician. Speak to a therapist.
- Go Easy on Yourself – Accept you can’t do things perfectly no matter how hard you try. Accept that you cannot control everything. Stop thinking you can do everything. Keep your sense of humor and laugh a little.
- Eliminate Your Triggers – Try to figure out the biggest causes of your stress (Job? Your Commute? Schoolwork? Can you reduce any of these? Try keeping a stress journal and make a note when you feel stress. See any patterns? Can anything on your list be reduced, lessened or can you find a solution?
See, “Stress: How To Manage And Reduce It,” https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/tips-to-control-stress#3
REMEMBERING OUR ORIGINS
Stress often leaves us vulnerable, uncertain, anxious or not in control or controlled by people or circumstances not in “our control.”
Philippians 4:6, we are given this advice:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything 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. [New International translation.]
Sometimes we have to remember “our AUTHOR.” (See Hebrews 12:2) Sometimes we have to remember our CREATOR and our origins. (See Genesis 2:7)
Sometimes we just have to remember that GOD REALLY IS IN CONTROL. GOD knows what’s going on, even when we don’t. GOD was in control in the beginning; and GOD will be in control in the end, no matter how things may look or feel.
So, take a deep breath and have faith.
Breathe deeply and BE BLESSED!
