The song “This is the Air I Breathe” by Joseph Oscar Mettle captures the essence of a deep, intimate relationship with God through its simple yet profound lyrics. Each line echoes the dependency and longing for God’s presence and His Word in our daily lives.

The Breath of Life

This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence
Living in me
This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word
Spoken to me
And I… I’m desparate for you
And I… I’m lost without you
This is air I breathe
Your holy presence
Living in me
This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word
Spoken to me
And I… I’m desparate for you
And I… I’m lost without you (eh hey, yeah)
REPEAT.

“This is the air I breathe / Your holy presence living in me”

Breathing is the most basic yet vital function of our existence. It sustains life, and without it, we cannot survive. By comparing God’s presence to the air we breathe, the song highlights how essential His presence is to our spiritual life. Just as we cannot live without air, we cannot thrive spiritually without the indwelling presence of God. This imagery reminds us of Genesis 2:7, where God breathes life into Adam, symbolizing that our very existence is dependent on His life-giving Spirit.

The Bread of Life

“This is my daily bread / Your very word spoken to me”

Bread, a fundamental food, represents sustenance and nourishment. The phrase “daily bread” brings to mind the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:11, “Give us this day our daily bread,” which emphasizes our reliance on God for our daily needs. In John 6:35, Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger.” This song reminds us that God’s Word is our spiritual nourishment. Just as physical bread sustains our bodies, God’s Word sustains our souls, providing guidance, wisdom, and strength for each day.

Desperation for God

“And I… I’m desperate for you / And I… I’m lost without you”

These lines express a profound sense of longing and dependency on God. The word “desperate” conveys an urgent need, a state of being unable to cope without something essential. This desperation reflects a heart that recognizes its total reliance on God. Psalm 42:1 captures this sentiment: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” Recognizing our lostness without God echoes the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15, who, upon realizing his desperate state, returns to his father. Similarly, acknowledging our need for God leads us back to His loving embrace.

Simplicity with Depth

The beauty of “This is the Air I Breathe” lies in its simplicity. The repeated phrases reinforce the message, allowing the listener to meditate on the profound truths they convey. Despite the simplicity, the depth of these truths is immense. They call us to recognize God’s presence in our lives as essential as air and bread, to acknowledge our deep need for Him, and to depend on His Word for our spiritual nourishment.

Living in His Presence

Living with the awareness of God’s presence transforms our daily lives. It brings peace in the midst of chaos, strength in times of weakness, and guidance when we feel lost. It is a continual reminder that we are not alone; God is with us, sustaining us every moment.

Conclusion

“This is the Air I Breathe” encapsulates the essence of a life deeply connected to God. Its simple lyrics carry a profound message of dependency, nourishment, and longing for God’s presence and Word. As we reflect on these words, let us embrace the simplicity and depth of our need for God, allowing His presence and Word to be the breath and bread of our spiritual lives.