First used of God in Genesis 2:4 in the Old Testament, some scholars think Yahweh sounds like breathing. It only has consonants and lacks vowels. If we try pronouncing it, it comes out like breathing. Try it right now. Do you feel how “breathy” the word is when pronounced?
“We breathe God in and out much more than we know, understand God, or even talk to God.” Richard Rohr, Immortal Diamond
This morning, during my morning devotional time, the above quote stood out to me. I started thinking about Yahweh and how the name of God sounds like a breath. I did some research and found out that in the Old Testament, Yahweh occurs 6,519 times. It is used more than any other name of God. It is first used when God breathed life into the human, Adam that He formed.
When we are anxious, it is helpful to practice deep breathing, to slow down our breath. Deep breathing is something I practice daily at least twice a day. I combine it with tapping (emotional freedom technique). There is something very relaxing and calming about deep breathing. Now that I am more aware of God’s name, Yahweh being a breath sound, I can practice deep breathing with the knowledge that our breathing whispers God’s name.
The word ruach in Hebrew is used in the Old Testament for Spirit and refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity. It appears for the first time in Genesis 1:2, the second verse of the Bible. Ruach means wind. The Greek word for Holy Spirit is pneuma, which means air, wind, or breath. While wind is not breath, it is similar in that it involves air and cannot be seen. However, we experience the effects of wind and breathing.
With every breath we take, we speak the name of God. We cry out Yahweh with our very breathing. In his daily newsletter, Richard Rohr wrote, “The one thing we do every moment of our lives is to speak the name of God. This makes the name of God our first and last word as we enter and leave the world.”
Healing from childhood trauma is not easy. However, knowing that our very breath cries out God’s name gives me comfort. That knowledge gives a new depth to my practice of observing my breath every day for 10 minutes. As I observed my breath today, I came with a deep appreciation for God and the connection He longs for with each one of us. God’s love is never ending and is so great that He has us saying His name each time we breathe.
You are not alone. God is as near you as your breath. When you can’t find the words to express yourself, utter the name of Yahweh. Know that He is with You. Take comfort in His presence. Breathe deeply and know that as you take time to be still, God is working inside of you. Give yourself some love because God loves you.
“Where Mercy, Love, and Pity dwell there God is dwelling too.” William Blake
Last week, I accidentally sent out this week’s newsletter, so I ended up writing something new for this week. Don’t worry, I will double-check before I schedule a post.
Correction: The second sentence in the first paragraph had a mistake. The name Yahweh lacks vowels and only contains consonants. I reversed it in the original version. The web version contains the correct sentence.
Resources
Immortal Diamond: The Search For Our True Self by Richard Rohr
Essential Blake by William Blake
Center For Action and Contemplation
Image by Lukas Bieri from Pixabay
So very grateful for the breath of life! Yahweh, our Lord, our God our breath! Love you, dear Gina. <3
Please, note that the first paragraph should say that the name Yahweh lacks vowels and only contains consonants.