Lessons from Bronchitis...

I love how the Lord allows us to worship in a variety of ways, for a myriad of things. I have understood that for many years now, but it is so cool how the Lord has reminded me of it this past week.


I’ve had bronchitis for the past week or so, and it has been quite unpleasant. I’ve been coughing a lot, my lungs ache, my body aches, I’m physically weak/exhausted, and it is difficult to breathe. Yet I can still say with confidence that God is so good.

First, God has taken care of me better than anyone else can. He knows that I refuse to rest, so He has cleared my schedule for me and forced me to rest on more than one occasion. I had 3 things rearranged/cancelled in my schedule this week, which allowed me to get more sleep (hallelujah!). Additionally, He’s given me various encouragements throughout the week- just silly little things He knows I’ll appreciate. He is SO SO good to me. Our God is so amazingly thoughtful and creative. I just love and adore Him so much!

Also, He has taught me a great deal about the attitude of my worship. Seeking His face in daily life has allowed me to see how intentional and thoughtful God is. As I’ve seen His hand moving in my daily life, it has led to me to worship so many times. As I see His intentionality and how immensely personal God is, it leads to His throne room in praise.

Additionally, worship songs have been particularly impactful in new ways this week. First- it is SO difficult for me to sing right now. Not only do I not have a voice, but it also takes a lot of energy to sing; it makes it harder to breathe, and it quite exerting. I know that sounds stupid, and it’s quite humbling to admit- but that’s just the way it is. As I was singing in worship this week, different phrases really impacted me in new ways. One song in particular begins “You’re every breath I breathe in, You’re every breath I breathe out; You’re every breath in me, God; every moment in Your hands.” That verse hit me so hard! Here I was laboring for breath, and God was in every breath. As much as I’ve hated being sick, God has been in that. In every moment, in every labored breath- He is there, and more importantly- He is to be glorified- despite my circumstances, my attitude, my situations, my mood, or my health. I am to worship Him with the entirety of my being.

And that includes being thankful for every breath, even if it is hard. That means worshiping despite circumstances, illness, attitude, whatever. That means seeking to see how the Lord is encouraging me each day, watching with anticipation to see His intentionality and thoughtfulness.

I’m so thankful for a personal God who can be worshipped in so many ways, for a God who seeks to encourage us and invite us to worship- even if it is just through breathing joyfully.