The Holy Spirit: The Breath of God's Nostrils
The foundations of the world
were uncovered at Your rebuke, O LORD,
at the blast of the breath of Your nostrils.
The Holy Spirit is the Breath of God’s Nostrils. When God breathes judgment, the Holy Spirit executes His punishment. Sometimes in Scripture God judged directly, such as when He struck a person with leprosy (Numbers 12:9-12), or when He struck a person dead (Acts 5:1-11). The Holy Spirit was God’s direct instrument to carry out that punishment. Sometimes, God judged indirectly, such as when He shut up Heaven so that it did not rain. Sometimes God sent a plague of locusts or used a storm or other natural means. The Holy Spirit was God’s indirect instrument behind the apparent natural disaster. He can work good in your life, directly or indirectly. Or, He can be the force of God’s punishment, directly or indirectly.
Holy Spirit, if I’m doing anything that will lead to judgment, show me; I will repent and change. Breathe good things upon me.
The Breath of God’s Nostrils controls nature. Sometimes disasters come upon you, not because you sin or are disobedient. You may think you’re being punished for something you did, but look behind the event. What you think is punishment may be God’s classroom to instruct you about His grace. Remember, all things—including loss—will work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28). Examine your loss to find what God is teaching you. Learn what He wants you to know, and then pray for the Breath of good things to blow upon you.
Holy Spirit, let me feel Your breath of good things. I don’t pray for harmful consequences, but help me learn from them when they come. Amen.
Go Deeper: Psalm 18:15-50
God controls the circumstances that control your life.
