Breathe

Life is just plain busy, often feeling too fast-paced and chaotic to even keep up. Technology keeps us connected around the clock, yet many people feel more distant from peace and rest than ever before. In this kind of world, choosing “breathe” as your word of the year can be a powerful act of intention. Breathing in Christ means finding our true rest, peace, and renewal in Him—learning to pause, release the weight of the world, and rest in God’s presence. This article will dive into what it means to breathe in Christ, ways to make it a daily practice, and key Scriptures to focus on throughout the year to help you remain centered and calm in His love. 

What Does It Mean to Breathe in Christ? 

To breathe in Christ is to cultivate a life where we can pause, release our anxieties, and find comfort in God’s presence. It is an act of surrender—recognizing that we are not in control and choosing to trust in God’s sovereignty instead. Resting in Christ requires slowing down, letting go of the need to constantly strive, and allowing God to be our source of peace. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us to rest in Him, saying: 

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, ESV) 

This invitation is a reminder that Jesus is our ultimate source of rest and relief from life’s burdens. Breathing in Christ is about coming to Him with our worries, letting Him shoulder our burdens, and resting in the comfort of His love and strength. 

Embracing "Breathe" as Your Word of the Year 

Choosing “breathe” as your word of the year is an invitation to live differently. It is a commitment to prioritize spiritual rest, mindfulness, and trust in Christ. Here are ways to embrace “breathe” in 2025: 

1. Cultivate a Daily Rhythm of Restful Moments 

Building rest into your daily routine creates intentional spaces to “breathe” in Christ. This could look like setting aside a few minutes each morning to simply sit in God’s presence, taking short prayer breaks during the day, or spending a few minutes each night in quiet reflection. Even simple, conscious breaths—while thanking God for His presence—can bring calm and remind you of your dependence on Him. 

Psalm 62:5 says: 

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” 

Pausing to rest in God’s presence renews your hope and reminds you that He is the source of all strength and peace. 

2. Embrace Slow, Deep Breathing as a Spiritual Practice 

Breath has spiritual significance. In Genesis 2:7, God breathed life into humanity, and each breath can serve as a reminder of that gift. Practicing slow, deep breathing with intentional prayer or meditation helps ground you in the present moment. You might say a simple phrase like, “God is with me” as you breathe in and “I release my burdens” as you breathe out. Allow this practice to calm your spirit and return your focus to God. 

3. Practice Sabbath Rest 

In a world that values productivity, taking a day of rest—an intentional Sabbath—can be transformative. God designed us to need regular rest, both for our physical bodies and our spiritual well-being. Exodus 20:8 commands us: 

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” 

On your Sabbath, focus on things that restore you—spending time with loved ones, worship, enjoying nature, or simply resting. Use this day to breathe deeply, reconnect with God, and renew your spirit. 

4. Relinquish Control and Release Worry to God 

To breathe in Christ means letting go of the burdens and worries we often try to manage on our own. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to: 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

As you journey through 2025, make it a habit to bring your worries to God in prayer, trusting that He will give you peace. Let each prayerful breath serve as a reminder to release control and surrender to God’s love and wisdom. 

5. Let Go of Striving and Find Your Identity in Christ 

Many of us fall into a cycle of striving for success or approval. But God calls us to rest in who we are in Christ—His beloved children. When we know our identity is secure in Him, we can let go of the need to prove ourselves. Galatians 2:20 reminds us: 

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” 

This verse calls us to rest in the truth that Christ lives in us and that our worth is found in Him. Letting go of striving allows us to truly breathe and experience God’s love and acceptance. 

Scriptures to Focus on Throughout the Year 

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” MATTHEW 11:28-30 NLT 

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. PSALM 23:2-3 CSB 

He gives strength to the faint 
and strengthens the powerless. 
Youths may become faint and weary, 
and young men stumble and fall, 
but those who trust in the Lord 
will renew their strength; 
they will soar on wings like eagles; 
they will run and not become weary, 
they will walk and not faint. 
ISAIAH 40:29-31 CSB 

“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 ESV 

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 NLT 

In a world filled with busyness and anxiety, choosing to breathe in Christ is a courageous act of faith. It’s a reminder that rest and peace are found not in striving but in surrender. By setting aside time to breathe, bringing your burdens to God, and allowing Him to renew your soul, you’ll find a deeper sense of peace and trust in His presence. 

May 2025 be a year where you learn to rest deeply in God’s love, breathe out your anxieties, and allow His peace to fill every part of your life. With each breath, remember that God is with you, guiding you, and offering you the rest your soul truly needs. 

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