Happy Labor Day

I have today off and am extremely thankful for the opportunity to rest another day. My second Covid test was also negative, meaning I just have “a” virus instead of “the” virus, so I’m extremely thankful to rest in that knowledge. Speaking of rest…

I was wondering who/what to pray for this week, and since it’s Labor Day, my immediate inclination was: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 ESV

I love that verse, and it’s very reassuring, but that’s not how my brain works. I thought “labor” —> “labored breathing.” I now need more than two hands to count the number of people I know who have or had Covid. Many of those who currently have it aren’t expected to pull through. The scariest, most difficult part of this disease is that it hinders breathing.

Have you ever had a respiratory infection, bronchitis, pneumonia, or something similar where you just couldn’t take a full breath? Or maybe you’ve hyperventilated? Do you remember what it felt like to not be able to breathe normally? It induces panic, anxiety. It wears out our bodies. It weighs on our mental health, bringing about feelings of depression and futility. (I’m speaking from my own experiences, and those shared by others.)

Breath is life, and when the breath is constricted, it causes a disturbance, like a ripple effect throughout our bodies and minds.

I encourage you to make a written list of everyone you know who has trouble breathing, whether from a virus, cold, covid, or pulmonary disease. Keep it in your Bible. We’re going to pray for all of them.

The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Job 33:4 ESV

Please join me this week in praying for everyone on all of our combined lists. Let’s lift them up to our loving Heavenly Father. Let’s petition Him for their healing, that the breath of the Almighty gives [them] life. Let’s also pray for the doctors, nurses, and medical support teams who care for our loved ones. May they be given strength and encouragement. Join me in praising God for His love and guidance through difficult times.