Newsboys - Breathe (Benediction) Lyrics
Lyrics
when all is said and all has come undone
when the sun, the moon and stars grow dark
before the days of youth are left in vain
before the dust reclaims its own again
Chorus
Breathe on me
Breathe oh Breath of God
Breathe on me
'til my heart is new
Breathe on me
Breathe oh Breath of Life
Breathe on me
'til I'm resting in you
when all is said and all has come undone
restore the promise I made when I was young
now unto Him who can keep us from falling
and present us faultless before His glory
Chorus
Breathe on me
Breathe oh Breath of God
Breathe on me
'til my heart is new
Breathe on me
Breathe oh Breath of Life
Breathe on me
'til I'm resting in you
Video
Breathe (Benediction)
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on January 1, 1996, as part of the album *Take Me To Your Leader*, Newsboys' "Breathe (Benediction)" offers a profound and contemplative prayer set against the backdrop of life's fleeting nature and ultimate end. The song begins by acknowledging the inevitable decay and conclusion of all things – a time "when all is said and all has come undone," when even the cosmic order of "the sun, the moon and stars grow dark," and the human body returns to "dust." This initial imagery immediately establishes a somber, reflective tone, inviting us to confront our mortality and the transient state of creation, echoing sentiments found in Ecclesiastes 12:1-7, which speaks of the physical decline and return to dust, and prophetic passages like Isaiah 13:10 or Matthew 24:29, describing the darkening of celestial bodies as a sign of significant spiritual or eschatological shifts.
The powerful chorus then articulates an earnest plea for divine intervention: "Breathe on me, Breathe oh Breath of God, Breathe on me 'til my heart is new." This cry for the "Breath of God" is deeply rooted in biblical narrative and spiritual understanding. It immediately brings to mind Genesis 2:7, where God breathes the breath of life into Adam, transforming dust into a living soul. More significantly for spiritual renewal, it resonates with Ezekiel 37, where the prophet witnesses the valley of dry bones receiving breath and coming to life, symbolizing the spiritual resuscitation of Israel. This divine breath is synonymous with the Holy Spirit, the very *Ruach* or *Pneuma* (spirit, wind, breath) of God, which Jesus imparted to His disciples in John 20:22, saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit." The petition for a "new heart" directly connects to God’s promise in Ezekiel 36:26-27: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you... and I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees." The ultimate desire is to be "resting in you," a longing for the peace, comfort, and abiding presence offered by Christ as promised in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
The second verse re-emphasizes the theme of life's conclusion, but with a specific plea for restoration: "Restore the promise I made when I was young." This line speaks to the universal experience of waning spiritual fervor, the forgotten commitments made in moments of initial zeal or innocence. It’s a humble recognition that initial devotion can fade, calling to mind the church in Ephesus, whom Jesus commended for their works but challenged in Revelation 2:4-5 for having "forsaken the love you had at first." The song culminates with a direct quotation and profound affirmation of God's preserving power: "Now unto Him who can keep us from falling and present us faultless before His glory." This passage is lifted almost verbatim from Jude 1:24-25, a powerful benediction that exalts God's ability to protect believers from stumbling and to bring them into His glorious presence without flaw. It serves as a monumental declaration of divine grace and sovereignty, assuring those who engage with this song that despite life's fragility and personal failings, God is actively working to sustain and perfect His people.
Ultimately, "Breathe (Benediction)" is a profound expression of utter dependence on God for spiritual vitality and eternal security. It serves as a prayer for renewal in the face of our limitations, an affirmation of God's power to restore initial commitment, and a comforting reminder of His ultimate ability to preserve us blameless. The song’s message is an invitation to lean into the sustaining "Breath of God" at every stage of life, from youthful promises to the twilight years, finding profound rest and assurance in His unending grace and transformative Spirit. It encourages a deeper trust in the One who not only creates life but continually renews it, ensuring that all who call upon Him will ultimately stand faultless before His majestic glory.