Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. – Psalm 46:10

My husband gave me his Apple Watch when mine stopped working. He connected it to my phone, so now calls, texts, and weather alerts are delivered right to my wrist. It also tracks my heart rate, how far I’ve walked, and how long I’ve been sitting down. I sometimes feel like it’s a cross between a nanny and a personal trainer… and it’s quite controlling! Several times a day, the watch will flash reminders to “Go for a 17 minute brisk walk,” or to simply slow down and “BREATHE”.

How does a watch recognize when I’m running around with my head cut off, late, and trying to do ten things at once? When I actually obey the watch and stop to breathe, it will tell me to “Be still. Bring your attention to your breath.”

Isn’t that what God tells us to do every day? Especially when waves of conflict or challenging circumstances are crashing over us? Before the authors of Psalm 46 wrote “Be still, and know that I am God”, they painted a picture of why they needed God.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging… Be still and know that I am God. – Psalm 46: 1-3,10

We don’t know exactly what the psalmists were facing, but we can all relate and follow their lead. In the midst of intense trouble, they poured out their faith in God and revealed their desperate hearts.

Let’s practice it together through a technique I call, “Breathing Prayer.”

Read the prayer below silently to yourself. Inhale on the first line. Exhale on the second.

Keep up the pattern. Take your time, and stick with it to the end.

Ready? Take a deep breath and focus your attention on your breath and pray this prayer to your Father in heaven who adores you today and every day.

(Inhale) I’m here God.

(Exhale) Though the mountains fall and my heart is crushed.

I’m still here God.

Though the waters roar and I fear I might drown.

I’m still here God.

I cry out for your help, my refuge in the storm.

Hold me close, hold me up, hold me together.

Help me know you’re right here with me.

Calm my restless heart.

Quiet my racing thoughts.

I breathe in your presence.

I exhale your praise.

You are my God, my Father I adore.

Thank you for never leaving me alone in the rushing waves.

Keep my head above the water so I can live and breathe.

Make me the daughter you desire for me to be.

I will trust in your mighty power.

I love you, I love you, Lord Jesus, I love you.

Amen.

Good news! I’ve been practicing this prayer for over a week now. My Apple Watch no longer has to prompt me to “breathe,” and when I finish, it actually says “Well done!”

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. – Psalm 150:6

Did you know that Psalm 150:6 is the very last verse in all of the Psalms? It’s as if God was summing up the previous 150 chapters by saying My children, it’s simple. Just breathe and praise. It’s something we’re doing every day at 3:00pm. So simple, yet so powerful to our spiritual progress.

No matter how big the waves, remember you’re not alone. You’ve got this! Keep on inhaling God’s presence and exhaling your praise.

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank You for being a part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Call Movement

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