Day 131, Year 1

God’s Breath Gives People Understanding

“But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.” (Job 32:8 NKJV)

“The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” (Job 33:4 NASB)

The word “breath” in both verses is the same word neshamah in Hebrew, and it also means “blast of the breath” of God or man. “The breath of the Almighty gives him understanding” in the first verse reminds us of Genesis 2, where God breathed life into Adam and made him alive. According to the Gospel of John, Jesus also breathed on His disciples and declared that they would receive the Holy Spirit after His resurrection (John 20:22). In light of this, some believers suggest a prayer practice of deep breathing so as to experience more of God’s breath. As we slowly inhale, we could pray for the breath of God to enter our lives. As we slowly exhale, we could surrender our fatigues, troubles, burdens, and sins to God. If this prayer practice is helpful for you, please feel free to practice it more often. 

“Almighty” in the first verse of today, according to Abraham’s interactions with the Almighty God (Genesis 17:1), shows in our lives and makes us perfect. Since God is Almighty, His breath can give us “life.” As long as we open our lives to Him and always receive His “breath,” we will certainly become more understanding. In my opinion, God’s “breath” could refer generally to His obvious work and “face-to-face” flowing before and in us. When we submit to God and obediently respond to His command, we would gain a better understanding. Thus, pay attention to where and how God is working around and in you, and how He wants you to respond to His calling.

“Life” in the second verse of today, as mentioned before, is chayah in Hebrew, meaning “to sustain life, be quickened from sickness, discouragement, faintness or death, revive, refresh, remain alive, live prosperously, or to live forever,” etc. Because of God’s “breath,” people receive “life.” When we choose divine life, we then receive His life. This is because of the work of God’s Spirit in us after we have made the right choice. Besides, the first half of both verses also mentions “Spirit” or “spirit.” Indeed, when we focus on our own spirits and understand how our spirits were created by God’s Spirit, we can connect with the work of the Holy Spirit more straightforwardly, as He often works in our spirits. In this way, we could increase our understanding and receive a vibrant life from God undisturbed.

Reflection questions:

1) Both verses of today indicate that God is the Almighty. What significance or meaning does this hold for you?

2) Have you noticed God’s work around you or the work of His Spirit within you? Are you also willing to submit to and cooperate with Him? Why?