HOLDING YOUR BREATH
On March 27, 2021 Budimir Sobat of Croatia achieved something no human has ever accomplished. He held his breath for twenty-four minutes, thirty-seven seconds, setting a new world record. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-time-breath-held-voluntarily-(male) How is that humanly possible?
Ever feel a bit like Mr. Sobat? We hold our breath far beyond what we believe we’re capable of. Perhaps we’re waiting for a job promotion, a difficult marriage to heal, a health issue to clear up, or a teenager to grow up. You want something to happen. Anything. We’re miserable in our state of limbo. Spiritually, we’re gasping for air. We’ve reached the twenty-four-minute mark and barely hanging on.
Bible characters were familiar with spiritual breath-holding. Consider David. He was anointed by God as King of Israel in 1 Samuel 16. But he waited perhaps a decade or more to actually take the throne (2 Samuel 5). During that time, he served in Saul’s court—until he was forced to flee for his life, when Saul attempted to assassinate him. He was pursued by Saul, fleeing into the wilderness, hiding in caves, and even taking refuge in cities of his enemies, where he was on the most-wanted list. How many nights did David lie awake, waiting for God to fulfill his promises to this young king?
Maybe that’s why thirty-seven times the Psalms tell us to “wait” on the Lord. We’re instructed to “wait for the Lord, wait patiently for Him, wait all the day, and wait on his faithfulness.” David further states, “I will wait on your name, my soul waits in silence for God alone, my eyes fail as I wait for my God, and I will wait continually.” At times I’m sure David felt confident in God’s faithfulness. On other occasions, doubt crept in.
Along with the command to love our enemies, this ranks near the top as one of the most difficult deeds God asks us to perform. But what viable option do we have? Not to wait on the Lord, in the midst of our suffering? Try it. That’s a sure-fire way to rid your life of peace. As difficult as it is, waiting on the Lord is unquestionably our best choice. The Hebrew root word for “wait” means “entwine". We entwine ourselves with God. Surrender our burdens to him, and trust his timing. Because his timing is perfect. Even when you’re reaching the twenty-four-minute mark as you hold your breath.
UPDATE ON LINDA: We received the results of Linda’s CT scan and discussed it with her doctor. Overall, it appears the cancer has remained “grossly similar”, basically meaning unchanged. Some areas have grown slightly, and some are even smaller. For the most part, we are encouraged by this news. Please keep praying.
Principle: Waiting on the Lord is our only viable option as we face struggles.
Ponder:
In what realm of life are you currently struggling with waiting on the Lord?
In a practical way, what steps can you take to wait on the Lord?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Psalm 25.
Prayer: Lord God, I recognize my necessity to wait on you in the midst of difficulties. I trust your perfect timing.