Breath of God

Edwin Hatch seemed to have everything necessary for success. Talent. A solid background. Experience. Connections.

Born on this day in 1835, in Derby, England, he graduated with honors from Pembroke College, Oxford, and became a recognized scholar. Becoming an Anglican priest, he moved to Canada, serving as professor of classics at Trinity College in Toronto. Returning to England in 1867, he furthered his reputation as an outstanding writer and lecturer, and served several important educational posts.

But he realized that all his talent, education, knowledge, and achievements were not enough. He realized that He needed God’s Spirit. In 1878, he wrote his conclusions in a hymn, called “Breathe on Me, Breath of God.”

Here we sense his realization of how God’s Spirit could change him. He cried out that He would “fill me with life anew, that I may love what Thou dost love, and do what Thou wouldst do.” Hatch had learned that God gave us His Spirit to equip us, and free us from sin. He prayed that the Spirit would break on him “until my heart is pure,” that he was totally committed to do His will.

He knew that the Spirit can transform us. Hatch prayed that God would breathe on him until his soul was united with Him, “until this earthly part of me glows with Thy fire divine.” Through the Spirit, he had confidence that he would “live with Thee the perfect life of Thine eternity.”

If he could speak to you, Hatch likely would remind you that you cannot be successful or find fulfillment on your own. The answer? Learn to depend on the Spirit. Let Him transform you. Guide you. Teach you. Empower you. Enable you to bear fruit. To have real peace and joy.