A recent hospital visit reminded me of a simple yet profound truth about life in Christ. In the midst of being monitored by dedicated nurses and surrounded by incredible medical technology, one small moment stood out. The pulse oximeter—a tiny device that measures oxygen levels in the blood with nothing more than light—became a teacher in the ways of faith.
On a few occasions, the little machine showed my oxygen level was slightly low. Rather than rushing to apply external interventions like an oxygen mask, the nurse gave me a straightforward instruction: “Take five long, deep breaths.” I complied, and as I did, the percentage on the screen climbed steadily from 94 to a healthy 96. The solution was already within me. I just needed to draw on it.
This small experience sparked a spiritual insight: what do we do when our “spiritual vital stats” seem to dip? When joy feels distant, peace seems out of reach, or our faith feels faint, how do we regain our spiritual vitality? The answer lies not in some artificial or external solution but in what God has already provided: His Spirit within us. All we need to do is breathe.
The Spirit Within: Our Divine Oxygen
Just as the physical body relies on oxygen for life, so our spiritual life depends on the presence of the Holy Spirit. When we place our faith in Christ, we are indwelt by His Spirit, the very breath of God. Paul reminds us of this truth in his letter to the Romans:
“If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness” (Romans 8:9-10, BSB).
The Holy Spirit is not an external force that occasionally visits us; He is our permanent, life-giving companion. He sustains us, equips us, and enables us to live the life God has called us to. Like oxygen in the bloodstream, He is always present, always working. Yet, like breathing, we often take His presence for granted—until we feel spiritually depleted.
Recognizing Low Spiritual Vital Signs
In the hospital, the pulse oximeter alerted the nurse to my low oxygen level. In our spiritual lives, the signs of a dip are less precise but just as noticeable. They might show up as anxiety, irritability, apathy, or a sense of spiritual dryness. It’s easy in those moments to look for quick fixes—distractions, busyness, or even legalistic efforts to “do better.” Yet these are external measures that cannot truly restore our soul.
God invites us to return to Him, the source of life, and simply breathe in His Spirit again. Paul writes:
“For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28, BSB).
When we feel spiritually drained, God does not call us to manufacture life on our own. Instead, He invites us to draw deeply from the abundant supply of His Spirit within us.
How to “Just Breathe” Spiritually
The nurse’s instructions were simple: take long, deep breaths. Spiritually, the process is just as straightforward. Here are three ways to “breathe” in the Spirit and restore your spiritual vitality:
1. Pause and Acknowledge God’s Presence
In the noise and busyness of life, we often hold our spiritual breath without realizing it. Pausing to consciously acknowledge God’s presence can be like a deep inhale for the soul. The psalmist reminds us:
“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, BSB).
Take a moment to quiet your heart. Breathe deeply, and remember that God is with you, in you, and for you.
2. Draw on the Word of God
Just as oxygen sustains the body, God’s Word sustains the spirit. When we feel spiritually weak, turning to Scripture is like taking a long, restorative breath. Jesus declared:
“The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63, BSB).
Read, meditate, or even simply recall a passage that speaks to your need. Let the truth of God’s Word fill you and revive your soul.
3. Pray with Dependence
Prayer is often called the “breath of the soul,” and for good reason. It connects us to the life-giving presence of God, allowing us to cast our burdens on Him and receive His peace. Paul encourages us:
“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 surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, BSB).
Even a few moments of honest, heartfelt prayer can restore our perspective and fill us with renewed strength.
The Provision of God’s Spirit
When my oxygen levels dropped, the solution wasn’t to add something foreign to my body but to activate what was already there. Spiritually, the same is true. We are not left to struggle on our own when life’s pressures weigh us down. God has already given us everything we need through His Spirit:
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3, BSB).
We don’t need to search for external fixes or strive in our own strength. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in us (Romans 8:11). We simply need to breathe Him in—to trust, rest, and depend on the provision that is already ours.
Conclusion: Resting in the Breath of Life
Life in Christ is not about striving to achieve spiritual vitality but about drawing deeply from the Spirit who already dwells within us. When we feel depleted, we don’t need artificial fixes or external interventions. Like a deep breath restoring oxygen to the body, the Spirit refreshes and sustains us.
Next time you feel spiritually weary, remember: just breathe. Acknowledge God’s presence, draw from His Word, and pray with dependence. The same Spirit who gave you life in Christ will renew your strength and lift your soul.
“This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: ‘I will cause breath to enter you, and you will come to life’” (Ezekiel 37:5, BSB).
Take heart, beloved. The breath of life is within you.
David graduated in 1971 after studying Theology at London Bible College (now the London School of Theology), is also the co-founder of the Facebook group New Covenant Grace. This group serves individuals who have an interest in learning more about the New Covenant, providing a supportive space for discussions and teachings focused on grace-based theology. David resides in the United Kingdom, where he continues to contribute to theological conversations and community-building through his work in this online group.
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