October 13, 2025 Devo

Wanda and I enjoyed a nice getaway last week. We took a cruise that went out of Boston, up around Maine, and then down the St. Lawrence River. We made several stops along the way, finally ending up at Quebec City. We don’t often get to do something like this, as most of our traveling time is spent doing ministry or seeing family. It was a nice change of pace, and we got to see some fascinating places and beautiful fall foliage. We often refer to getaways like that as a chance to “catch our breath.” That’s probably a good way to phrase it. Life gets busy, even hectic, and we need a break from time to time to give our minds and bodies a chance to rest.
But when I read our verse for today, I realized that sometimes we need something deeper than that. Taking a break from the normal craziness of life is one thing. But once in a while, life comes at us much harder. It hits us with the kind of blow that isn’t replenished by some pretty scenery and a few buffet dinners.
Maybe you’re in such a season right now. Perhaps you’ve been caring for aging parents, a spouse, or a child who has chronic physical or mental needs. Or maybe you’ve experienced a loss that has left your world upside down or cast you into a void that feels like a crushing darkness. Or maybe you’re going through a major life transition of divorce, job loss, or health crisis. Those kinds of changes can be exhausting. They can leave you feeling more than tired. They can leave you feeling LIFELESS.
These are the times you need to do more than “catch your breath.” These are the moments you need to catch His Breath. Our verse today reminds us that it was God who breathed life into us. Not just into our lungs, but into our souls. He was The One who turned a lump of clay into a living being. And The One who gave us life can renew our lives.
So I invite you to get away today. Don’t worry, you don’t have to go far, and it won’t cost you a dime. Find a room, a chair, a place to sit, a place to kneel, or, if you’re like me, a place to walk. And there, in that holy place, ask the Author of Life to breathe life into you again. Ask Him to resuscitate your soul. Ask Him to reignite your flickering flame of hope. Ask Him to renew your wearied bones and to lift your sagging head. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest.” Claim that promise for yourself today. Catch His Breath, and He will fill the sails of your soul with the wind of His Spirit. Trust me. That’s more than any cruise in the world can do! That’s God’s Word for you today.