Through the years of church history, many beliefs about the Holy Spirit have been filtered through denominations. Some believers focus only on the Spirit, believing in a second baptism and the speaking in tongues gift as necessary for everyone. Other denominations avoid teaching about the Spirit and instead — label this vital person of the Trinity as a ‘ghost.’ And there is a global variety of beliefs about the Holy Spirit.
The actual name for the Holy Spirit is ‘Ruach-Elohim,’ which means ‘Breath of God.’ Remember when God created Adam? He breathed into the dusty man and brought him to life. Likewise, when we become believers, created in the image of God, the Spirit breathes into us spiritual life.
So how does God sustain us in the Spirit? David, the shepherd king, gives us a clue. “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:12 NIV).
This Psalm was written after David completely messed up by committing adultery and murder. The entire story is recorded in Second Samuel 11. But David confessed and repented, then asked God to restore joy and give him a willing spirit. To sustain him with a willingness to obey.
God wants us to be careful about our decisions. But even if we make horrendous mistakes, we can hang on to the same concept David included in this psalm. We can admit to the wrong we have done, receive God’s forgiveness, ask God to restore joy to our souls, and give us a willing spirit so that we do not repeat the same sin. To sustain us in that restored joy and in the knowledge that we are forgiven.
Ephesians 5:18 reminds us that we can be constantly filled and refilled with the Spirit. A complete saturation of holiness that we can pray for at any time. This leads us to a more joyful life, singing ‘psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs…making music in our hearts to the Lord and always giving thanks.’ (NIV).
Once we grasp the beauty of God’s grace, our joy overflows. Any shame or guilt the enemy whispers is simply a lie. We are not condemned. We are forgiven. Then we listen to the Spirit’s guidance for each day’s decisions and trust God to sustain us on a steady path.
This is the role of the Holy Spirit, the breath of God. This is how God restores us and sustains us with the encouragement of new-found freedom.
How has God sustained you after a time of rebellion and confession? Let me know in the comments below.
©2026 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
Image Attribution: Arnie Bragg / Pixabay.
For more information about the Spirit, check out page 15 in Sustain Us, Oh Lord: Finding Strength When Life is Hard.