Recently one of my children was diagnosed with asthma. During an attack, as the airways constrict and narrow, it becomes difficult to breathe. I think we can all agree that breathing is pretty important! Every system in our body relies on oxygen. Getting sufficient air, sufficient breath, is an essential element of survival. Breathing easily greatly affects our ability to live full and fulfilled lives.

The psalmist calls “everything that has breath [to] praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6 NIV) and yet sometimes there are situations in life that constrict and choke our efforts to praise. Challenges and circumstances that leave us breathless, squashed and struggling.

For an asthmatic, there are times when they need assistance to breathe easily. An inhaler can relax the muscles that have tightened around the airways and create more space allowing air to flow freely. And for us, there are times when we need assistance to be able to praise. We need to be rescued from the restrictive context we find ourselves in.

But there’s good news. No matter what has stolen your breath, God can bring you into a spacious place and he will rescue you because he delights in you (Psalm 18:19). We might despair when we face our challenge thinking it’s a dead end and praising from that place is nigh on impossible. But consider God’s words to Ezekiel, “I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” (Ezekiel 37:6 NIV).

It is the Spirit of God who made you, it is his breath that gives you life (Job 33:4). Don’t look at the situation, instead begin praising the One who “gives everyone life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:25 NIV). He’s got everything you need to keep going.

Now breathe. In. And out. Repeat.

You’re ok. He’s got this.