The start of a new year provides an opportunity for new
beginnings—new calendar pages, new food plans, new
exercise routines, new budgeting goals. Many of us embrace a
fairly common practice of realigning goals at the start of each
year. We may need a reset to promote positive change, but it
does not take a crisp calendar page or the latest food plan to
receive new life, a fresh beginning. Each breath reminds us of
the new life God offers.

Breathing is the only autonomous body system that we can
control. While our breathing will continue without controlled
effort, we can consciously change how we breathe. Take a deep
breath right now. Pause your reading, and breathe deeply and
fully. Breathe deep into your lungs, allowing your chest to
expand; then exhale fully. Repeat this for five breaths.

In verse 5 we can translate the Hebrew word for breath as
“life” or “spirit.“ Stop and breathe in again. As you inhale, imagine
that you are breathing in God’s Spirit, filling your lungs to
capacity with God’s gracious gift of life.

Verses 5-7 remind us that God grants breath for a purpose:
to bring justice—“a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are
blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon. . . .” Breath/
life/spirit comes with an intentionality. How will you engage
each breath as an opportunity to live for your Creator this year?

God extends glory and blessing and promises new things.
Breathe in those promises for yourself. What “new things” does
God declare to you as you slow down and pay attention to your
own breath of life? Recognizing the sacredness of each breath,
breathe more deeply in the days to come—live with purpose the
life of unique servanthood to which God calls you.