The Breath
Today, I’ll talk a little bit about a couple of fundamental gas laws in physics. But before I get too far I should address why it is that I am about to do so.
The laws in science are laws that have been identified by man, not created. We as man cannot create formulas for something that does not have a natural phenomena. The things in the natural must have an underlying mechanism by which we are capable of putting into a form that we can understand. Physical laws are those that make sense of the physical manifestations and happenings of the known universe.
In this portion, I will be speaking specifically on gas laws. Why gas laws? Because from the very beginning, breath was the starting point of life. We as man are creatures breathed forth by God himself out of the dust from the ground. The act of being breathed upon by God, from our understanding of breathe is a combination of gases on the atomic level being brought forth.
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”
Genesis 2:7 (NKJV)
Because breath became the origin of life in the human body. It's only fitting that we reflect on how the physical properties of gas might offer insight into our spiritual lives.
The Ideal Gas Law
PV=nRT
P=Pressure ; V = Volume ; n = amount of moles ; R = gas constant: 8.31 KJ-1 mol-1; T= Temperature (K)
In a closed system, if temperature increases, so does pressure. The particles inside the container move faster, hitting the walls more frequently and with greater force.
This can be a helpful metaphor for the spiritual pressure we feel in life. When the "heat" of trials increases, our internal pressure rises. And often, our volume—our emotional or spiritual capacity—feels like it's shrinking as stress and burdens close in. That’s when we begin to feel overwhelmed, stretched, or like we’re about to blow up.
Purification and the Fire (Temperature)
Heat is often symbolic of trials in Scripture. And like fire that refines gold, God allows us to walk through heat not to destroy us, but to purify us.
“That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 1:7 (NKJV)
Purification is the act in which we proceed and make our way through trials with high heat. Thus, with higher heat, the impurities are discarded leaving us with a genuine and precious faith. This act of increasing the heat for the onset of trials increases the pressure, whilst the volume opening ourselves up to God negates the pressure.
We ourselves can’t control the temperature. Trying to do so leads to anxiety and striving.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)
The fires will come, whether we feel ready for them or not. What matters most is how we respond when they do. Are we looking to the fire or beyond it? Ultimately, we must know we can trust the One who can control the fires. Even more, we can rest in the assurance that Jesus has already walked through the ultimate fire for us.
“When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”
Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV)
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
Hebrews 4:15 (NKJV)
Pressure: A Byproduct, Not the Point
In the gas law metaphor, pressure builds when volume is restricted. Spiritually, pressure builds when we try to rely on our own strength and understanding—when our lives become rigid, self-contained systems.
But God never intended for us to live like that.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)
The answer to spiritual pressure isn't to try to contain more—it’s to make room for more of God.
Volume: Making Space for God
In trials, the goal isn’t to eliminate pressure—it’s to increase our spiritual volume by opening ourselves to the presence and power of God. The further we expand, the greater the ability to withstand pressures is the result, and our responses to the pressure are the trials effects.
When God's presence fills our lives, pressure no longer defines us. His peace becomes our container. And unlike the closed system of the ideal gas law, we can expand—we can be open systems, filled continually by the Holy Spirit.
“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.”
Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV)
A New Law: From Closed to Open Systems
Here’s where we need a spiritual correction: we are not closed systems.
It’s important to note that in physics, a closed system can exchange energy, but not matter. In contrast, God is not limited to our spiritual circumstances. Unlike in a physical system, God is always at work in our lives, and we are free to expand and grow under His guidance.
When we hold on to sin we should let go of, we may find ourselves with a spiritually hardened heart; like a container that cannot expand. But God can soften our hearts and help us open up to be molded anew. In Ezekiel 36:26, He says, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." When we allow God to work in us, we can be free from the restrictions of a closed system.
Rigid containers are designed to maintain their shape under pressure. As followers of Christ we are not to be rigid, but transformed. But, sadly it is in the rigidity that we as believers, a lot of times find ourselves. We find ourselves deceived into believing that we are in a closed system when in reality we are free. What if instead of evaluating our lives as closed systems where pressure is invited, we allow the Holy Spirit to move freely in our lives thus allowing for a different law in our trials. Charles’ law.
Charles’ Law tells us that volume and temperature are directly proportional; as temperature increases, so can volume.
V₁/T₁ = V₂/T₂
Spiritually, when the heat of trial rises, and we open ourselves more to God, our capacity increases. We become more surrendered, more Spirit-led, more faithful.
The trial doesn’t crush us—it grows us.
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.”
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)
And that transformation isn’t about becoming stronger in ourselves—but being conformed to Jesus.
Reflection
Let’s be careful not to treat spiritual growth like a formula.
Yes, metaphors like the gas laws can give us insight. But the real hope—the real power—comes from Jesus Christ. He bore the ultimate heat, the crushing pressure of sin, and the wrath we deserved. Now we walk through fire with Him, never alone.
“In this world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NKJV)
So whether you're in a furnace of affliction, feeling pressure on all sides, or simply unsure of how to breathe again—remember, you were breathed into this life by God. His Spirit sustains you. And He who holds the laws of the universe also holds you.