Earlier today, I was mowing the lawn in the sweltering heat. Not only was it hot, but it was kind of a very humid, almost soupy kind of hot. The kind that makes you feel like you’re swimming through the air, only without the refreshing part.

Every now and then, I felt a breeze. It was subtle, but refreshing. It kept me going. Just when I thought I was about to melt into a puddle on the front lawn, a breeze would hit me just right, and I was ready to keep going.

It’s interesting that the Hebrew word for the Holy Spirit, ruach, can also mean breath or wind. In Genesis 2:7, it says that God formed man and breathed (ruach) life into him. Interestingly, in 2 Timothy Paul talks about the Bible as being inspired — literally, “God-breathed.”

I believe the Holy Spirit is a distinct person within the Trinity, not just the breath or activity of God. He is not a force but a person with will and thoughts and emotions.

Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit as a helper and a guide, one send to remind us of all that Jesus said and taught and to lead us into repentance and truth. This Holy Spirit is the one who convicts us of sin and leads us to confession and forgiveness.

But I like to think that the Spirit is sometimes a refreshing presence, like that summer breeze. He’s a reminder of God with us wherever we go. He’s the sustainer for when we’re at the end of ourselves and can’t go on. He’s the extra gust of wind that helps the boat reach its destination.

Sometimes, all we need is just that gentle reminder that God is here and that all will be well because He is making all things well and right and good.