Wind
By Susan Klein
“Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hand?”
Proverbs 30:4 (NIV)
Fall has arrived in
Wisconsin and with it… so have the winds. I was sitting at the table this
morning, having my coffee, as I watched the leaves shower my backyard with each
new gust of wind. Before I made my way out on this blustery day, I decided to
ponder this mystery called “wind.”
Wind is truly
amazing if you think about it. Wind cannot be seen, yet you know it is there by
its effect on other things. A gentle breeze makes small ripples on a lake, blows
wisps of hair around your face or brings relief on a hot day. Stronger winds are
necessary to scatter seeds and remove old leaves from trees in preparation for
winter. Gale force winds can leave a path of destruction in their wake,
including the loss of lives. You also can’t hear the wind, but you hear its
effect as it brushes against or between objects.
In Scripture, wind
is known as ruah in Old Testament Hebrew and, on occasion, pneuma
in New Testament Greek; both are also translated to mean “breath” or
“spirit.” Many concur it is “the breath or Spirit of God.” Ruah first shows up
in Genesis chapter one as “spirit,” where we read that “the Spirit of God was hovering over the
waters.” It appears in chapter two as “breath,” when God “breathed into his
(man’s) nostrils the breath of
life…”
All throughout
Scripture, we read of God’s breath or Spirit coming upon people: sweeping over
lands, parting waters, closing seas, bringing life and bringing death. It is
important to note that in all cases, only God can control this powerful force. “He
let loose the east wind from the heavens and led forth the south wind by His powers”
(Psalm 78:26). “Even the wind and the waves obey Him” (Mark 4:41). “He makes
winds His messengers” (Psalm 104:4).
As I watch the
leaves swirl about, it gives me great peace to know that my heavenly Father
sovereignly controls this mighty force. And like the wind, even though I cannot
see my God, I know He is there, in Spirit, by the effect He has on me and on
everything around me. And though I cannot hear Him, I know He speaks to me through
the effects of His Word on my heart.
“It’s your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our
praise to You only.” (1)
GOING
DEEPER:
1. How are you aware of God’s breath
in your daily life?
2. Watch
and listen for Him today.
FURTHER
READING:
Susan is married to Mark, and
has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and
tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of the Peace Team at
Oakwood and also co-leads a Wednesday Night Community small group
(1) “Great Are You Lord,” All Sons And Daughters, Integrity
Music, 2014
