“Breath of God” is a common term in the Bible and churches. It is often used to show the essence of the Holy Spirit. The original Greek word for Breath, Pneuma, means wind or spirit. We first see an example of the breath of God in Genesis 2:7 “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Later on in the Old Testament, we see God instruct Ezekiel to prophesy over the dead bones in the wilderness, and He will breathe life into them again.
God breathes life into me, and I breathe worship and praise back to Him. Click To Tweet
The New Testament reveals more use of the term. In John 20:21-22 we get another vivid demonstration: 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” As I researched, I found many examples of how God’s breath can bring life or death. He can also empower, enlighten and regenerate anything with just one breath.
Job 33:4 “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”
Recently, a pastor gave a different perspective on this subject that I had not considered. Since the Holy Spirit dwells within us, once we accept Christ, then the breath of God fills our lungs. We use that air to offer praise and worship back to our Father in heaven. This thought left me with a beautiful picture of God’s circle of life. He breathes life into me, and I breathe worship and praise back to Him. I loved the imagery of this flow of air between creator and created.
Isaiah 42:5 “God, the LORD, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth. And it is he who says,”
After reflecting on these words for several more days, I started to think about how I wrongly use the Holy air within my lungs. The words I breathe out speak good and evil. One minute, I offer God’s words of encouragement to a friend in need, and with the next breath, I curse the guy that cut me off in traffic. I sing hymns at church to glorify God, and then I yell at my husband for something insignificant. I must grieve God with all my improper use of His breath within my lungs. Just like God uses His breath to give life, to empower people and to comfort people, we are called to do the same. I think it is time for me to reexamine my words before I speak them to make sure they follow the example set for us in the Bible.
I must grieve God with all my improper use of His breath within my lungs. Click To Tweet
Blessings,
Yvonne, Blogger, speaker, and author
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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Powerful message. I think of all the times I am praying for someone and then, complaining about someone else. Thank you for this reminder that our words should always breath out the love of God. 🙂
Thanks Melissa. I had never thought about it until a pastor talked about and it really impacted me. I wish I could say I did better but I still am a work in progress.
This is a powerful concept to consider deeply – the thought of God’s Holy breath filling my lungs.The Holy Spirit within means God is more a part of us than we can fully imagine or understand. Thank you for this thoughtful reminder of His indwelling Presence. May we breathe out His words, truth and love.
Thanks Melissa. I enjoyed reading your thoughts on the Breath of God. God bless
I love the worship song that says, “It’s Your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our praise to You only.” I always love singing that praise to God and thanking Him for my breath and pouring it back out for Him!
Amen Emily. It is such a beautiful song and such a wonderful reminder. God bless
Great post! I appreciate your honesty. I have done the same thing with my words… praise the Lord and then turn in anger and say something I regret. Oh it is SO hard to be good all the time. Thank goodness Jesus forgives our sins, past, present and yes, future. We can pray to be better and definitely grow in that direction, but this side of heaven, I am flawed. Yet, through the precious blood of Jesus, I am flawless! (We can all sing that Mercy Me song now – ha ha). Bless you!
So very true Lisa, we are forgiven for our mistakes. I pray for the wisdom to do better in the future. God bless
What a beautiful post! I think this is my favorite of your posts so far! The breath of God in our lungs and our responsibility to use that breath for good, rather than for evil, is a significant truth to poder. I agree wholeheartedly with what you’ve written here! This was quite convicting: “I must grieve God with all my improper use of His breath within my lungs. Just like God uses His breath to give life, to empower people and to comfort people, we are called to do the same. I think it is time for me to reexamine my words before I speak them to make sure they follow the example set for us in the Bible.” Amen, sister!
Thanks Melinda. I really appreciate your kind words and I agree we must use our breath for good. God bless
Powerful analogy, Yvonne. I didn’t know the Greek meaning for breath. And I’ve often heard Jesus referred to as the breath of heaven (also a song). The perspective of your pastor is an extended thought to consider. Like you, if the Holy Spirit’s breath is filling our lungs, I sometimes misuse it. I guess I go into spiritual respiratory distress.
God’s the breath of life who breathed life into us and continues to breathe life and grace and love into our very being. Praise His name!
Thanks Karen. I loved your thought about going into spiritual respiratory distress, so accurate. God bless
Yvonne, I’ve never considered that circle of life before. What a beautiful picture. I have thought about how we are accountable for our words . . . I’ve taught my boys this concept. But, I haven’t thought about the breath that fills my lungs and how I’m using it. Thanks for sharing this. It’s powerful!
It is amazing to think the our Creator provides us with the very breath we can us to praise Him or curse Him. This thought makes it hard to fathom or comprehend His love for us. Thanks Jeanne and God bless
This is a wonderful reminder. I think you are right that God breathes the Holy Spirit into us when we accept Christ as our savior. It’s now up to us to go and spread His word and do His will!
Amen Jessica. I am thankful for your comments and for visiting. God bless
You remind me of teaching from years ago that wherever we go, we take the Spirit of God with us. We were challenged to think about what we drag Him through. This admonition about our words is more convicting. for me and probably most of us. Good thoughts, thanks.
Thank you Beth. I also like that thought of taking the Spirit with us everywhere. It is about being aware. God bless
Yvonne, you have a gift for making me see things in a new light. I love this idea of the breath of God in my lungs. But it is humbling. How do I use my lungs? How do I use my breath. It reminds me of James. Thank you for this encouragement and challenge.
Thanks Stephanie. I am glad you found encouragement from the blog and challenged. I think we always need to keep on our toes in our faith. God bless
Fabulous message. My breath so dishonors God sometimes. Thanks for this. God bless!
Thanks Nancy. Me too, more often than it should. God bless
Great message! Makes me want to take more control with what I’m saying!
Amen. Thanks Julie
Awesome message thanks and God Bless!!
Thank you