רּוח ַ | RUAKH | Roo-akh
For most part of my life, I have always been curious about the “unseen” God, and I am often comforted that although I cannot see God, I can feel Him and I can know Him. The Hebrew word, “Ruakh” is translated to “breath, spirit, and wind” and are used interchangeably.
“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.”
(Gen 1:1-2 ESV)
I am often drawn to these very first two verses of the Bible which narrate that the Spirit of God, the giver of life, breathes life into this very world. And the same Spirit breathes life into our lungs. It is wonderful that not only do we get to know our Creator God, but we also get to experience Him, and that this very Spirit lives in us.
Breath of Life
How many of you have heard or experienced this saying, “God has restored my soul”?
No amount of nutritious food, encouraging words or beautiful sounds is able to fully restore and revive our souls. Without God, we would all be wandering around like zombies – lifeless and aimless. In Gen. 2:7, the very image of God’s breath entering our bodies is such a powerful one, and we need to remember that it is not a one-time infilling of the Spirit, but a continuous practice (Eph 5:8 ESV).
Practice
In this fast paced and task-oriented culture and environment, we often forget that we are human beings. One practice that I have been trying to do more often is to find a little time during the day and pray these words, “Spirit of God, show me what You are doing”, or “Holy Spirit, come”. And my prayer for you sisters and brothers, is that you may feel and experience the breath of God – whether it comes to you as a gentle breeze or a gushing wind, and may it restore and revive your souls, Amen.
Tricia Chen
Ref.: – Hebrewwordlessons. “Spirit/Breath: Is Your ‘Ruakh’ Activated?” Hebrew Word Lessons, 19 May 2021, https://hebrewwordlessons.com/2018/01/28/spirit-breath-is-your-ruach-activated/ – The Holy Bible ESV. Good News Publishers; Crossway Bibles, 2007
