One of the things that may be difficult to understand is how God is one, and yet also be above our limited idea of one. For example, the Bible begins by speaking of both “God” and “the Spirit of God.”
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth… and the Spirit of God was hovering [floating] over the face of the waters (Genesis 1:1-2).
Look again at the quotation from Psalm 139. The writer of that Psalm asks God, “Where can I go from your Spirit?” Then he says, “If I go up to the heavens, You are there.” Why say “You” and “Your Spirit”? Why speak in two ways of God? We may not fully understand why. Yet God surely knows most about Himself. He knows how best to describe Himself, and He expects us to trust the words He chooses. Scripture talks often about the Holy Spirit. He is not just some tool or force of God. He is not a ”thing.” Instead He is Divine Person, described in ways that can only fit a person. Although He is sometimes spoken of as if He is part of God, yet the Holy Spirit is truly God, the only God.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom… For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
God has revealed Himself as both “Lord” and “Spirit.” This in no way goes against the truth He also revealed, that He is one. This oneness is above our full understanding. Such mysteries should not surprise us, for God is so much greater, and we are so much smaller.
Let’s Sum Up
We would know nothing of God if He had not chosen to speak to us through nature and the prophets. He has revealed that He is one, and that there is no other god besides Him. Yet His oneness includes the Holy Spirit. He knows best how to tell us about Himself. Since He alone made us and cares for us, our hearts and lives belong wholly to Him.
Yahweh, great “I AM,” no one is like You. Who has fully understood You? Yet, You have said that we can know you in such a way as leads to eternal life. Help us to know You in this way…