An Advent Devotional from Seacoast Church
December 5

Breathe In His Presence

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 (NIV)

Most of us never think twice about breathing. But when my newborn daughter stopped breathing, it was all I could think about. 

We searched for answers and had dozens of doctor visits, trips to the ER, trial and error with different breathing monitors, but the problem persisted. For seven months, we took shifts during the night, watching our daughter sleep. We held her upright on our chests, with our hands resting on her back, feeling the rise and fall of her breath, unsure if she would stop breathing suddenly again. My heart had made its home in my throat, choking me with fear. I couldn’t live like this. Tears became the only prayer I knew. 

Some nights, I felt like I was God’s downstairs neighbor, banging on the ceiling with a broomstick, begging for answers. Other times, I sulked outside, waiting for him to open the door. The truth is, I didn’t need an explanation. I needed a Savior.

Even in the darkest moments, when my daughter’s face would turn blue, God was there. Like the warm sun, kissing our backs on a summer day, he comforted us through the unknown. He didn’t give us answers, but he gave us his peace. 

It was in the dead of the night when God reminded me that the first breath we tasted was his. Remembering that it was God's breath that filled her lungs, gave me hope.

Our darkest moments give us the opportunity to experience the power of God’s presence. Our struggles can help assure us that our faith is real. No matter what trials you are facing this Christmas season, you can trust the Prince of all Peace. He is with you and his peace is inside you. Just allow yourself to breathe it in.

Share with friends

Reflect

  1. What struggles are you facing that you need to trust God with? 
  2. Where have you felt God’s peace in your life? How can you share the peace that God has given you with others this Advent season?

Share Your Blessing

  1. Pray that God would fill you with his peace this Christmas, maybe even consider gathering with friends or joining a prayer group at your campus to encourage and pray for one another.
  2. Write Christmas cards for medical staff and deliver to local hospitals or medical offices.

REDISCOVER THE WONDER OF CHRISTMAS

Come experience one of our Christmas Eve candlelight services as we remember the birth of Jesus with music, a message, and fun.
See Service Times
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