“[Jesus said], ‘The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’” John 3:8-9
“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
“Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying,.. ‘We hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.’” Acts 2:1-7,11
The sound of wind quickens the heart, and pleases the ear and senses. Invisible, yet obvious in its touch, wind at once amazes, astounds, and sets us to wonder. It bends, it breaks, it strengthens, it refreshes. It sets dirt to deviling in destruction, it sucks into the peaceful eye of its vortex, it sweeps away clouds and dries the rain. God made wind a picture of His grace and power and magnanimous love, and invites us into its sway.
Wind blows, rejuvenating, cooling, invigorating as it sweeps us into its energetic rush. Spirit, blow your wind in our faces to awaken us from clouds of apathy, ease, and sadness to hope and fresh mercies. Drive away fretting and anxiety over hypotheticals and replace them with holy inspiration and zeal.
Wind loosens the dead and debris, gently tugging, removing it from what is living and lush. Lord, drive the wind of your spirit into our souls to convict us and move us to repentance. Uproot what weeds we have allowed to grow, habits and sinful tendencies we have come to tolerate as our companions. Swirl your wind before our eyes to remove weak faith so we can see you clearly. Keep blowing to remove stubbornness, willful pride, and doubt, until we give in to your sway.
Wind lulls and rolls, with gentle fingers, colors into beautiful motion. Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with heavenly light and move us to weave Your loveliness and sow Your joy among those who live in dark shadows of despair and hurt.
Wind pushes and pulls, correcting our stance, making sure we are grounded and balanced, and propelling us along with aided speed. Holy Spirit, by Your power, turn us from worthless pursuits toward what has eternal significance. Infuse divine inspiration, and compel our bodies forward in eager work and service that matters.
“Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before You,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!” ~Henry Van Dyke (1907)
Father, take me up in Your sway. Blow Your Spirit on and through me to communicate Your mighty works, to the praise of Your glory.
As the rain and snow 