Day 59: Each Breath Whispers Yahweh

Read: Genesis 8:10-12

After a period of waiting, Noah decided to let the dove out of the ark. The dove returned with an olive branch in its beak which was a sign that the water had subsided. It also showed that God is in control and that He hadn’t forgotten about Noah. Because of his obedience, Noah received fulfillment and joy.

The symbol of the dove returning with an olive branch in its mouth is significant for a few reasons. A dove is a sign of peace from God all throughout the Bible, as seen in John 1, “Then John gave this testimony: ‘I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him…’” (v.32). The Holy Spirit is often referred to as a dove all throughout Scripture, and Jesus Himself is The Prince of Peace. 

An olive branch is also significant throughout Scripture, specifically in Romans 11. Verses 17-24 talk about how we are grafted into an olive tree which is deeply rooted in Christ. The Father prunes the tree and cuts off those who have fallen, and grafts on those whom He calls His children.

We must remember our roots in Christ. He breathed into Adam’s nostrils the Breath of Life, and in the same way, He gives us breath every morning. With every breath we breathe, we inhale Yahweh. As we inhale, we breathe in Yah, and as we exhale we respire Weh—Yahweh. How refreshing is that name.

The name Yahweh (YHWH, the Hebrew letters Yud, Hay, Vav, Hay) is used more than any other name for God in the Old Testament—specifically 6,519 times! The modern name Yahweh has vowels to assist in pronunciation. Yah is the Hebrew word meaning Lord, and Weh is the Hebrew word which means Jehovah, or the existing One. 

There is nothing on this earth that is apart from Him. Nothing on the earth has a purpose apart from Christ. Scripture tells us the mountains sing for Him, and the trees clap their hands for Him (Isaiah 55:12). Even the plants and the animals glorify Him! Every branch of every tree points towards Christ. We turn our faces toward the heavens in hope of receiving Christ. All of creation praises Him.

Romans 8 tells us that creation groans inwardly as we eagerly await the second-coming of Christ. Creation is suffering in its sin and we are longing for goodness and joy. If we reach out and feel for Christ, we will find Him (Acts 17:27). The flowers die and the animals kill, but through Christ, we don’t have to face death. Sin is abolished! Through Christ, there is life.

 In like manner, we were created to give God praise. We do this by honoring and obeying Him. We do this by first loving Christ, and loving others also. We must remember His selfless sacrifice on that day on Golgotha. We owe Him nothing but praise.

Take a few deep breaths. Remember how with every breath, we inhale Yahweh. We are united with Him in every way. Find one way today to worship Him outside of musical worship. Worship Him with your actions and your thoughts.