03/15/2017 BREATHE
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, in Genesis are: “In the beginning GOD….” In Greek the word “Genesis” means origin. In Latin, the word means “beginnings.”
The creation of man is 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 man’s physical body. GOD’s BREATH was necessary for life.
BREATH, STRESS & HEALTH
Stress is a part of human life. Many of the characters in the Bible went through stressful situations (e.g., Moses, Noah, Ruth, Mary and Joseph, Paul, Silas, Peter, John). If left unmanaged, stress can become chronic and can lead to unhealthy results. The difference between “normal stress” and “unhealthy stress,” is like the difference between a light rain and a raging hurricane.
MANAGING STRESS MINDFULLY
Some common ways to manage or reduce stress include:
- Exercise - Physical exercise releases endorphins (i.e., chemical transmitters found in the brain) which help the body reduce stress.
- Relaxation Techniques – Such techniques include: breathing, meditation, mindfulness training, yoga, tai chi, muscle relaxation, listening to music.
- Sensibly Eating and Drinking – Avoiding alcohol, overeating or sweets as a means of trying to make yourself “feel better.”
- Drink Water—stay hydrated. Sometimes taking a drink of water can provide a nice break from the computer, work or other things keeping you busy.
- Living In Accordance With Your Values – Feeling good about the actions you are taking and the values you have. (e.g., making sure your actions line up with scripture.)
- Maintaining a Positive Attitude – Feeling that things are under control; feeling good about yourself; avoiding negative thinking by having faith and claiming Scripture. Examples of claiming Scripture, include affirming that:
(i) I can do all things through CHRIST….(Philippians 4:13);
(ii) Nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of GOD…(Romans 8:39);
(iii) I will not fret because of evil doers…I will trust in the LORD and do good. If I will
delight myself in the LORD, HE will give me the desires of mine heart. If I
commit my ways to the LORD and trust in HIM, HE will bring it to pass…(Psalms
37:1,3,4,5))