If God Withdrew His Spirit

If it were his (God’s) intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath, all mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust. Job 34: 14 – 15

Do you ever think about the mysteries of our world and how amazing it is that things just work the way they are supposed to when they are supposed to? Do you ever wonder to yourself how amazing it is that the sun continues to rise and set each day and the stars and moon continue to light up the night sky? And how incredible is it that our earth and other planets continue their evolution around the sun and we always have enough air to breathe? Isn’t it wonderful how the rains fall to replenish the earth and crops continue to grow and bear fruit?

Our God is in control of the heavens and the earth. I don’t think any Scripture verse can express God’s sovereignty over our lives any more than this one can with this one statement, “If God withdrew his spirit and breath, all mankind would perish.”

This verse comes from the book of Job, in which he questions God about his sorrows and pain. Job finally comes to the conclusion that God is all knowing, all powerful, and all seeing. He alone keeps the earth and heavens on course and He alone holds our fate in His hands.

If God for some reason chose to set His mind to destroy us, nothing could hinder Him. There would be entire ruin and destruction for all mankind. Or if He examined the evil ways of man and determined that He would deal with us according to His justice and what we deserve, none of us would be left standing before Him.

But if this were the case, if God had ever perceived of these thoughts, we would have all perished long ago. Our spirits and souls are placed in us by God. He has breathed life into us and He can just as easily take it away and we would perish.

Yet, God, in His love for us and in His desire for us to live and come to Him, keeps our world turning. This verse and these thoughts shouldn’t fill us with fear, but instead we should receive hope and comfort. The fact that our world still operates according to His plans, shows His merciful nature. He loves us and wants us to come to Him. He has not chosen to withdraw His spirit and the breath within us. He longs to give us life and the beauty of His creations. To Him alone belongs all honor, glory, and praise.

 Prayer

Dear God, thank you for the gift of life and for our amazing, beautiful world. We know that we don’t deserve your unconditional love and all the glory you display in creation and all the blessings of life, but may our hearts always be full of gratitude for the grace that you show us each and every day. Amen