What does it mean to breathe? Have you ever thought of the concept of breathing? A breath is soft and can be quiet, yet vital to life. Breath is so powerful that it causes our bodies to physically expand and contract, in order for it to function properly within our bodies, filling our lungs with the oxygen.

A person should never say that they have not had a close encounter with God. Next to being in the presence of God, our breath reflects an intimate relationship with Him. God defines this intimacy in the Bible:

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 (NIV)

God breathed and man lived. God’s breath produces life.

Our life is God’s breath.

Second, every word of God was breathed upon.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

The word of God is intimately connected to Him, which is why it is quick and powerful and produces a change. Anything that is touched by God is alive.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12  (NKJV)

When Jesus wanted to impart the Spirit of God into the disciples, He breathed on them:

And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:22  (NKJV)

Every breath we take has purpose attached to it.

• Whenever you are feeling anxious, breathe.
• Whenever you are afraid, breathe.
• If ever you are uncertain, breathe.
• Whenever you are feeling alone, breathe.

Whenever you are tempted to respond in anger or to react based on your feelings, breathe. Your breath is a reminder to reflect God’s character, as we represent the image of God in this world.