Quiet Fire Devotional Series | Alive: From Striving to Resurrection - Breathe Again

Breathe Again

“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” — Romans 8:11 (ESV)

There was a time when even breathing—spiritually speaking—felt effortful. Like walking underwater. Every step was heavy. Every breath, shallow.

I was doing the “right things. ”But I was living empty. Reading the Word, yet not letting it read me. Trying to grow in Christ without depending on the very power that raised Him.

That’s not just fatigue. That’s spiritual oxygen deprivation.

The Inescapable Filling

Scripture doesn’t leave us adrift on how to live full. We’re not merely invited—we’re commanded: “Do not get drunk with wine… but be filled with the Spirit.” — Ephesians 5:18

This isn’t simply about alcohol. It’s about control. About what governs your inner life.

The verb "be filled" (plērousthe) is present passive imperative—meaning: Keep on being filled. Continuously. Dependently.

And this filling isn’t abstract or emotional. It is Word-shaped. Truth-fueled. Worship-expressed.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” — Colossians 3:16

Same Spirit. Same structure. Same invitation to fullness.

What Pulls Us Away

Numbing Habits “ Wine is a mocker… whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” — Proverbs 20:1Whether wine, media, or distraction—anything that dulls the soul also clouds the Spirit’s work.

Ceaseless Amusement “Come now, I will test you with pleasure… but behold, this also was vanity.” — Ecclesiastes 2:1An endless diet of entertainment slowly drains spiritual appetite.

Bitterness and Anger “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger… be put away from you.” — Ephesians 4:31Lingering anger silences the Spirit’s renewing work in the heart.

Fear and Anxiety “Do not be anxious… the peace of God… will guard your hearts.” — Philippians 4:6–7Prayer doesn’t summon the Spirit—prayer aligns you with His steady, sustaining presence.

What Draws Us Back

The Spirit’s Presence “…that he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” — Ephesians 3:16The Spirit indwells—not occasionally, but continually. Not emotionally, but faithfully.

The Word of God “I have stored up your word in my heart…” — Psalm 119:11The Spirit breathes through Scripture. His voice is always aligned with His Word.

Prayer “Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17Prayer opens the heart to what the Spirit is already doing—refining, guiding, awakening.

Worship and Fellowship “Come into his presence with singing.” — Psalm 100:2

“…not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another.” — Hebrews 10:25

Joy and community are not optional extras. They are Spirit-empowered means of life.

My Quiet Revolution

I remember a night when my soul felt flatlined. Not because of blatant sin—but from suffocation.

No noise.

No strength.

Only these words: God, breathe on me again.

And He did.

Not with spectacle.

Not with sound.

But with truth.

The Word opened.

My affections stirred.

The Spirit moved.

No drama. Just reality. Just breath.

Are You Trying to Breathe Without Air?

Ask yourself: What’s shaping my inner world today? What am I feeding my heart? Where has distraction silenced desire?

This is not about trying harder. It’s about receiving more deeply.

“He saved us… by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ.” — Titus 3:5–6

“The word of God is living and active…” — Hebrews 4:12

“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” — Romans 8:1

Final Invitation

The Spirit of God is not a visitor. He is a resident.

His voice is heard where Scripture is cherished, prayer is honest, and surrender is full.

So breathe again. Let the Word dwell richly. Let the Spirit fill fully. Let your worship awaken truly. You were never meant to survive on shallow breaths. You were meant to live risen.