Saturday morning arrived. With much anticipation Gary and I planned to hike the Paint Mines with Sophie and Peter. Nestled in a rural open space near Calhan, Colorado, this interesting destination appeared. After years of winds blowing over this rocky ground, beautiful geological formations emerged creating spires, caves, and gullies.
The Paint Mines delighted our eyes. Colorful layers stack within the clay, causing the rock to appear painted. Time and natural elements such as rain and wind worked together to erode and polish the surface of the stone formations. This weathering left behind columns of clay that were buried beneath which produced odd shapes and mixtures of color reminiscent of the clever illustrations in Dr. Seuss books.
On this particular day, clouds hid the sun while the winds howled through the air. Upon arrival, we togged up in windbreakers, hats, and sunglasses in efforts to minimize the impact of the whistling invisible power swirling around us. On every step of our four mile hike, strong winds buffeted our bodies as we navigated through the Paint Mines.
Along the path, small particles from the earth jumped into the breeze attacking our legs and arms. Blowing hair and debris found its way into our mouths. There was no escaping the impact of the wind, and yet we marveled at the earthen wonder and creativity of God in the Paint Mines.
Upon returning to the car, we each looked totally windblown. Chapped lips, dry faces, irritated eyes, and hair resembling a bird’s nest alerted any onlooker to the impact of our windy excursion. We were windblown.
Windblown – Exposed to or affected by the wind.
Often in the Bible the movement and presence of the Holy Spirit is described with the metaphor of wind.
- “…the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Genesis 1:2
- “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
- “And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:22
- “Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army…I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’” Ezekiel 37:9-10,14
Although wind itself offers no appearance to the eye, its invisible power and impact upon created things reveals its presence. Life floats within the winds of the air as life-giving oxygen enlivens the body and seedlings drift and settle on the earth producing nourishment to sustain creation.
Similarly, just like the turning of a windmill or the sail of a boat confirms the existence of the blowing wind, the influence of the Holy Spirit demonstrates itself in the lives of those committed to God. We are windblown in a good kind of way. Freedom from addiction, contentment, joy, peace, unity, and love become the evidence of the movement of the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit brings life to the human soul offering spiritual nourishment and strength, causing disciples of Jesus to be windblown.
In what ways are you windblown?
Invisible winds unearthed the extravagant beauty of the Paint Mines for the eye to see. The Paint Mines were windblown. After hiking through the Paint Mines, there was no doubt we had been pushed and shoved by the wind. Evidence of being in the presence and power of the unseen gale declared itself by looking at us. The impact of the invisible became visible. We were windblown. God, through the Holy Spirit, reveals His invisible power and presence in the transformation of His people. Disciples of Jesus are windblown.
Notice the wind within your soul. In what ways is the Holy Spirit shaping you?
Perhaps you feel a violent wind within as the Spirit convicts you of sin. Nevertheless, comfort awaits in the gentle gust of air that follows with forgiveness and cleansing. Maybe the breeze in your soul unearths the depths of God’s love for you or reminds you of His permanent presence. What is God eroding within your soul in order to reveal colorful layers of Himself?
How does your journey with Jesus allow the invisible handiwork of God to be seen by those around you? Do others see the movement of the Holy Spirit in your life?
It’s okay to look windblown as it reveals the incredible internal attention of God producing godly formation and growth within His followers.
Let the winds blow within your soul.
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Job 33:4
The Spirit of God has made me, the breath of the Almighty gives me life.Acts 2:2-4
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Anne Graham Lotz. Jesus in Me: Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion. Colorado Springs, CO. 2019.
Kyle C. Strobel. Formed for the Glory of God: Learning from the Spiritual Practices of Jonathan Edwards. Downers Grove, IL. 2013
Sprinklings of truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Chris Tomlin. Spirit Fall. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw1hzeQTM2I
David Crowder Band. Ghost. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWy9be0gEdo