The Breath Of God: A Journey Through Creation And Divine Connection

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Published by Kimberly Wall

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Co-Founder, Disciple Group Leader, Author

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The breath of God embodies the life-giving essence and creative power of the Divine. From the first breath that created humanity to our encounters with the Holy Spirit through the Word, the breath of God has proven to us the power of God’s presence.

The biblical symbolism and significance of breathing are quite profound. In fact, the Bible frequently refers to God’s breath in the New and Old Testaments. The breath of God sustains and uplifts us throughout these trying times. Therefore, recognizing where God moves in our lives is made easier by understanding the breath of God.

Key Takeaways

  • Explore the profound significance of the Breath of God, a symbol of divine presence and creative power shaping the universe and sustaining humanity.
  • Delve into the biblical symbolism and spiritual depth of the Breath of God, understanding its connection to the Holy Spirit and its transformative influence in our lives.
  • Discover the intimate connection between humanity and divinity through the Breath of God, reflecting on its role in creation, spiritual renewal, and our daily existence.

What Do We Know About The Breath Of God?

The Bible defines breath as more than just the physical movement of air in and out of the lungs. In the Greek of the New Testament and the Hebrew of the Old Testament, breath is linked with the Spirit of God[1], and it is one of the most meaningful symbols in the Bible.

When the Bible writes about breathing into our lungs or the breath that gives us life leaving and coming back to God, it is not just being poetic about air; the Holy Spirit is that biblical breath flowing within us.

God Breathed Life

The Holy Spirit is a phenomenon outside of the New Testament. God made the earth and created man and woman in his image with the breath of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord God formed a people through the power of the Holy Spirit, and through the same power, he anointed particular persons to accomplish his salvation purposes.

We will witness God’s Spirit at work in the New Testament in a much more intimate setting—through his Son, who became the life-giving Spirit.

God’s Word

God’s breath inspired the words of Scripture, and it is the breath of God that enables us to receive and comprehend the texts. The Bible is a living, breathing source. In fact, God’s word is God himself (John 1:1). The same breath that motivated the production of the Bible also motivates us to hear it. The breath of God is present in the Bible when we read it. The breath of God blesses our hearing and reception of the Holy Word. God speaks truth into our lives through the Bible.

In our Christian lives, recognizing the Bible as God-breathed invites us to approach it with reverence and humility. As we delve into its pages, we encounter the living God and receive his guidance for our daily journey of faith. This is the power of the breath of God.

a watercolor painting capturing the breath of god, influenced by Turner's techniques, showing vast skies and sweeping landscapes merging with divine light

What Does The Breath Of God Bring Us?

Every day of our existence, we have been breathing, and every breath represents the presence of God’s Spirit in us. The Spirit of God has been working through us through the breath of God, even if we are unaware of it. The best part is that this mighty spirit touches our lives in ways we might never fully comprehend or appreciate.

Life And Human Will

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty; darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

— Genesis 1:1-2

The next time God’s breath is depicted in Genesis, it is during the beginning when God created human beings with our own human will so that we could start living. The force of God’s breath within us is directly responsible for our bodily life and fruitfulness. As we allow the Holy Spirit to enter our hearts each day, he longs to give us new life, just as he gave our bodies life when he created us.

Moreover, after the death of Jesus Christ, which allowed us to be reconciled with God, he became the life-giving Spirit. He breathed new life into us after we were separated from God by sin.

The Holy Spirit

Since the Holy Spirit is the result of the breath of God, it implies that the Holy Spirit is part of who we are. Given that he is a permanent inhabitant, the Holy Spirit will never depart. Even though we may feel alone, the Holy Spirit is constantly and forever within us; thus, we are never truly alone. Our hearts are now permanently occupied by the breath of God.

an illustration of the breath of god, reminiscent of Michelangelo's style, depicting ethereal figures amidst swirling clouds

The Significance Of The Breath Of God

According to the Bible, the Lord God formed human life by breathing his own breath into us, representing the work of the Holy Spirit. The breath of God holds immense significance. It signifies that our existence is not merely a result of biological processes but is intricately connected to the divine. It is through God’s breath that we are given life and the ability to live as living beings.

Just as God breathed life into the first human, God’s breath continues to sustain us and infuse us with his life-giving Spirit. God’s breath is not a one-time event but an ongoing act of creation, as God breathes life into every individual that comes into being. This ongoing act of God’s work demonstrates his care and involvement in every aspect of human life.

Furthermore, the Holy Spirit’s work is at play in our lives. The Holy Spirit, often symbolized by the breath of God, guides, empowers, and transforms believers. Through the Holy Spirit’s presence, we experience the constant interaction between the divine and the human. It is through the Holy Spirit’s work that we are continually renewed, convicted, and conformed into the likeness of Christ.

Recognizing that God breathes life into us reminds us of our connection to the divine and the significance of our lives in God’s grand plan. Just as God breathes life into us, he breathes life into all the earth, sustaining and upholding the entire creation through the Holy Spirit.

The breath of God symbolizes the profound link between the divine and human life. It reminds us of God’s ongoing work in creating and sustaining us and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. As we embrace this truth, we can live with a deep sense of purpose and gratitude, knowing that our lives are intimately intertwined with the breath of God.

Moreover, since the fall of man, the world has been in chaos. Nevertheless, because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, all of God’s people were restored as his children once more through faith and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

We may appreciate how insignificant and fleeting our lives are compared to the Almighty God since we have received his breath as the source of our life. Additionally, much like when we breathe, God is still present even when we cannot focus on him or his presence.

an illustration of the breath of god

10 Powerful Bible Verses About The Breath Of God

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.

— Genesis 2:7

Knowing, brethren, that you are God’s chosen people, for our message did not come to you merely in word but also in life-giving power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full conviction, just for your own information, the type of men we demonstrated to be among you is for your benefit.

— 1 Thessalonians 1:4–5

Jesus replied, “With all honesty, I say to you, a person cannot enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the spirit. The body is what is born of the flesh, and the spirit is what is born of the spirit. Do not be shocked that I told you that you needed to be born again.”

— John 3:5–8

They become frightened, though, if you turn away from them. When you rob someone of their breath, they pass away or die and return to dust. The earth’s surface is renewed, and life is produced when you breathe into it.

— Psalm 104:29–30

The sovereign Lord declares to them, “These bones will receive breath, and you will come to life. I will give you tendons, flesh, and skin to cover you, and I will give you breath so that you will come to life. Then you will realize I am the Lord.

— Ezekiel 37:5–6

The Lord of heaven and earth, who created the world and everything in it, does not reside in temples fashioned by human hands. As if He required anything, our hands do not serve Him. Instead, He Himself is the source of everyone’s life, breath, and all other things.

— Acts 17:24–25

The heavens were shaped and expanded by God. He made the earth and everything on it. Everyone on earth receives life and breath from Him. He further claims, “I, the Lord, have called you to show forth my righteousness. I will take you by the hand, keep you safe, and present you to Israel, my people. And the countries will look to you as a light.”

— Isaiah 42:5

Because the Lord has chosen me to bring good news to the suffering, I am filled by the Spirit of the Lord God. He has sent me to comfort the grieving, proclaim freedom to the captives, and free the captives.

— Isaiah 61:1

This will be followed by Me pouring out My Spirit on all humanity, at which point your children will prophesy. Both your young and your old men will experience dreams and visions. In those days, I will pour forth My Spirit on both the male and female servants.

— Joel 2:28–29

But He will render a just verdict for the world’s suffering people and judge the downtrodden with justice. And He will use the rod of His mouth to smite the earth, and the breath of His lips will kill the wicked.

— Isaiah 11:4
an oil painting depicting the breath of god, inspired by Carravagio's dramatic contrasts, portraying powerful figures emerging from darkness into divine illumination

Summary

Unless we are close to someone, we cannot feel their breath. Feeling someone’s breath is a real sensation of intimacy, similar to when we lean in to hear a friend whisper in a crowded room. Perhaps this is what is required to experience the breath of God in our lives and work—a deepening desire and attitude of connection with God.

There are numerous effective and delightful methods by which we can search for signs of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Let us allow the breath that emanates from the One who gave us life to fill our lungs. Every breath we take is worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Three Breaths Of God?

The concept of the three breaths of God varies among religious traditions. In Hinduism, they’re the “Trimurti”: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Christians associate them with the Holy Spirit, symbolizing divine inspiration.

In Sufi mysticism, they represent stages of spiritual awakening. Overall, they embody creation, preservation, and transformation, symbolizing the eternal cycle of existence and divine presence.

What Is The Power Of The Breath Of God?

The power of the breath of God is profound and multi-layered. It signifies creation, renewal, and divine inspiration across religious traditions.

From breathing life into Adam to symbolizing spiritual rebirth and enlightenment, its potency lies in sustaining life, fostering transformation, and connecting humanity with the divine, serving as a vital emblem of divine presence and vitality in spiritual discourse.

Why Is The Holy Spirit Called The Breath Of God?

The Holy Spirit is called the breath of God in Christian theology because of its symbolic association with divine inspiration and life-giving force, mirroring the creation narrative where God breathes life into Adam.

This metaphor underscores the Spirit’s role in empowering believers spiritually, emphasizing its vitalizing and renewing influence within Christian doctrine and theological discourse.

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