When God called Moses from the burning bush, Moses asked the question many of us still wrestle with, “What is your name? Who are You, really?” God’s answer was as mysterious as it was powerful:
“I AM WHO I AM.”

He wasn’t just giving Moses a name. He was declaring His eternal nature. Always present. Always being. Always breathing life.

What’s fascinating is how the original Hebrew name given here — YHWH — is made up of consonants that some scholars say resemble the sound of breathing. Say it slowly, softly, (pronounced Yahweh), Yah… weh…It sounds like inhaling and exhaling. As if the very act of breathing speaks God’s name.

I was reminded of this deeply in a moment I didn’t expect. I went into our friend’s tattoo shop to show him a piece of artwork. My husband, Jeff, was already there. Knowing I was coming, this friend had something saved to share with me. The artwork I brought was related to YHWH…

The writing he had saved to share with Jeff and I that morning was about this same exact Scripture. Neither of us knew ahead of time what the other had. Every time we get together, we talk about the Bible, about faith, and about our lives in Christ. That wasn’t new, but the fact that we came with the exact text in mind on the same day at the same time is no accident or coincidence.

That moment reminded me again that God’s name — YHWH — isn’t just something we read. It’s something we breathe. It’s written in our lungs, felt in our silence, whispered even when we have no words.

When we’re lost, like Moses, asking, “Who are You, God?” When we’re uncertain, asking, “What should I say?” When we’re broken, tired, or rejoicing…

Every breath is a reminder: He is. I AM is with us.