The Power of Taking a Deep Breath
By CarolMarie Smith

It takes about 10 seconds to deeply inhale and then exhale. I remember as a kid I would hear people say “count to 10 before reacting”….I wonder if they were wanting me to take a deep breath.

Oxygen goes to your lungs, blood, and lymph system when you deeply breathe. It also helps your brain function and I certainly need all the help I can get, how about you? It’s amazing also that 10 seconds gives you time to think and not just react, what an idea!

Many times we hear things incorrectly or perceive them incorrectly. Ten seconds can give us time to calm down and give them the benefit of the doubt. I certainly want others to give that advantage to me!

Proverbs 29:20 says, Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. A fool is someone who lacks wisdom. In Chapter 10, verse 14, the Bible says that the mouth of a fool invites ruin! Wow!

So to practice speaking without thinking or taking a deep breath we are in great danger and can bring ruin upon ourselves and our families. Throughout Chapter 10, we see a continual comparison of the fool to the wise. Verse 13 shows us that wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning. To discern is to think about and you could something through God’s perspective. The Chapter goes on to say that if you hold your tongue you are wise (Verse 19).

I challenge you to read the book of Proverbs to increase in wisdom, to open up God’s protection, provision, and help. (You can even download it on your cell phone!) We live in a time that wisdom is more essential than ever!

Thomas Jefferson said, "When angry, count 10 before you speak; if very angry, a hundred." Before getting angry, catch it when you are mildly bothered. As you sense that rising feeling in your chest; take a deep breath, exhaling all the anxiety and stress of the situation, along with the toxins I might add, the real secret is not in controlling the situation or people involved…it’s in controlling yourself. Give yourself time to shake it off and open yourself up to the wisdom of God who understands it all!

Try taking your deep breath and then asking the Lord “What do you think about this?” I have found that any thought that is smarter than mine is usually the Lord’s. Usually, He is exposing things within ourselves that He wants to heal as well. If you will quiet yourself down and listen then His insights are amazing. You will amaze others too by using the power of taking a deep breath!

If you have questions or prayer requests, you can email CarolMarie at carolmarie4u@gmail.com or at mfsprayer@gmail.com

The Dr. John D. Nichol’s Chapel is located on the first floor of the executive office building and available for staff and public to use during MFS’s operating hours. 

Confidential prayer boxes are located in the Chapel and the administrative office building.

If you would like to email a prayer request, please email: mfsprayer@gmail.com All emails are handled with confidentiality.