Shallow Breathing

Jesus' ministry...

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion - to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations." - Isaiah 61:1-4 ESV

This passage really speaks to me today. I focused in on one small part of this passage.

'...the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit...'

'faint spirit' in Hebrew is Ruwach (Strongs H7307) Keheh (H3544) and it means dim or shallow breathing. That is replaced with a mantle of praise. There is a quickening because of joy.

As I read the whole passage again and again and my pulse begins to quicken. My breathing deepens.

This was and Is Jesus' ministry. We get locked up but He sets us free. He has done it and He renews our mind to show us again and again.

This passage has both past and future in it. Verses 1 and 2 are written directly to us and the people Jesus touched as He walked the Earth. Verses 3 and 4 are to a future Israel that He will comfort and quicken but we see who our Saviour Is and what He does for people and for nations.

Maybe you are 'fainting' today. Your spiritual breathing might be shallow now but look to Jesus. He has a garment picked out just for you to celebrate.

He has finished the work of salvation. He did that on the cross. Now history is unfolding until He returns to restore Zion.

Behold Him and breath in the grace and goodness of God. Take one deep breath after another and sing a song of praise.

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