The Invisible That Sustains Us

Air. Wind. Breath.

These are things we cannot see, yet we trust in them daily. Science explains them, but even without scientific backing, most of us wouldn’t question their existence. They are simply a part of life — invisible, but vital.

Take air, for instance. We know it’s there, though we can’t see it. Why? Because we breathe it in with every inhale, and without it, we wouldn’t survive.

“The molecules in air are so small that they don’t scatter or absorb visible light effectively. Most light passes through, making the air seem invisible to our eyes.”

Science Notes – Why Can’t We See Air?

Air is mostly transparent to the human eye, yet it plays a crucial role in sustaining life. It’s not visible, but its effects are undeniable. In cold weather, for example, we get a rare visual of our breath. That’s not just carbon dioxide — it’s water vapor from our lungs made visible by the chill in the air.

“When the warm water vapor molecules from your lungs reach colder air, they condense into tiny droplets of liquid water and ice — the same process that forms clouds.”

Mental Floss – Why You Can See Your Breath

The same goes for wind. We can’t see it, but we feel it on our skin. We see the way it moves leaves, ripples through water, and guides sailboats across the ocean. It has power. It has presence. But it remains unseen.

“Wind is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface, which creates air pressure differences. This displacement creates a rush of air — wind.”

Rochester First – You Can Feel It, But You Can’t See It

What About God?

All of this made me reflect: if we accept the existence of invisible forces like air, breath, and wind — why do so many struggle to believe in an invisible God?

We don’t question the air we breathe. We trust the wind to cool us or carry a kite. But when it comes to faith, we hesitate. Yet God, like the wind, doesn't need to be seen to be real. He is present. Whether we believe or not, He exists.

Sometimes, under the right posture of heart — in stillness, in worship, in reflection — we can feel Him. Just like sitting under a ceiling fan on a warm day, we may not see the air move, but we feel it brushing across our skin. The presence of God is often just like that — subtle but undeniable.

I believe the wind is God’s breath upon the Earth. I see Him in a gentle breeze. I hear Him in the whistling gusts. I feel His movement in the power of storms. He’s in the calm, and He’s in the chaos. The same wind that softly rustles leaves can also uproot trees. God’s presence can comfort us or move us into new directions — sometimes both.

What Do You Believe?

The wind doesn’t need our permission to blow — and God doesn’t need our belief to exist. But what a gift it is when we tune in, when we feel His movement in the everyday things we overlook.

Here are a few questions to reflect on:

• Have you ever felt something real that you couldn’t see?

• What helps you recognize God’s presence in your life?

• When was the last time a quiet moment made you pause and reflect?

Maybe the invisible things — like breath, wind, and faith — are the most powerful forces we’ll ever encounter.

Let’s pause and reflect together.

What resonated most with you from this post?

You can comment below or email me directly — I’d be honored to hear your thoughts.