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Breathe Again: Reigniting Your Spirit with the Life of God
In this book from New York Times bestselling author Chris Hodges readers will discover an invigorating reality—that the breath of God has power to create a life-giving environment of freedom and joyful purpose around us.
What is that energy-giving, life-breathing force that inspires and empowers us to live out our calling as followers of Jesus? It’s the Holy Spirit. In this powerful book, Pastor Chris Hodges shares what he calls his life message—which is all about the freedom and purpose that come from trading a life of spiritual obligation and rules-based religiosity for an experiential relationship with the God who pours out his grace freely and with abundance.
Through practical insights and biblical wisdom, Hodges reveals how the Holy Spirit empowers you to overcome stagnation, renew your faith, and live with purpose. Whether you’re seeking spiritual revival, deeper connection with God, or freedom from life’s burdens, Breath Again offers a refreshing path to personal growth and divine inspiration.
Originally released with Fresh Air as the title, Breathe Reigniting Your Spirit with the Life of God has been thoroughly revised and updated. Readers will enjoy embracing this life-changing message anew, or for the very first time. Embrace the Holy Spirit’s guidance and let the Tree of Life bear fruit in your heart starting today!
What is that energy-giving, life-breathing force that inspires and empowers us to live out our calling as followers of Jesus? It’s the Holy Spirit. In this powerful book, Pastor Chris Hodges shares what he calls his life message—which is all about the freedom and purpose that come from trading a life of spiritual obligation and rules-based religiosity for an experiential relationship with the God who pours out his grace freely and with abundance.
Through practical insights and biblical wisdom, Hodges reveals how the Holy Spirit empowers you to overcome stagnation, renew your faith, and live with purpose. Whether you’re seeking spiritual revival, deeper connection with God, or freedom from life’s burdens, Breath Again offers a refreshing path to personal growth and divine inspiration.
Originally released with Fresh Air as the title, Breathe Reigniting Your Spirit with the Life of God has been thoroughly revised and updated. Readers will enjoy embracing this life-changing message anew, or for the very first time. Embrace the Holy Spirit’s guidance and let the Tree of Life bear fruit in your heart starting today!
- GenresChristian
256 pages, Paperback
Published December 2, 2025
9 people are currently reading
3009 people want to read
About the author
Chris Hodges
71 books246 followersChris Hodges is the founding and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands. Since it began in 2001, Highlands has grown to have campuses across the state of Alabama, known for its life-giving culture and focus on leading people to an intimate relationship with God.
Pastor Chris has a deep passion for developing leaders and planting life-giving churches. He co-founded ARC (Association of Related Churches) in 2001, which has launched hundreds of churches across the United States. He also founded Grow, specializing in training and resourcing pastors and churches to help them break barriers and reach their growth potential. Chris is also the founder and Chancellor of Highlands College, a ministry training school that trains and launches students into full-time ministry careers.
Chris and his wife Tammy have five children and live in Birmingham, Alabama, where Church of the Highlands began. He speaks at conferences worldwide and is the author of Fresh Air, Four Cups, The Daniel Dilemma, and What’s Next?.
Pastor Chris has a deep passion for developing leaders and planting life-giving churches. He co-founded ARC (Association of Related Churches) in 2001, which has launched hundreds of churches across the United States. He also founded Grow, specializing in training and resourcing pastors and churches to help them break barriers and reach their growth potential. Chris is also the founder and Chancellor of Highlands College, a ministry training school that trains and launches students into full-time ministry careers.
Chris and his wife Tammy have five children and live in Birmingham, Alabama, where Church of the Highlands began. He speaks at conferences worldwide and is the author of Fresh Air, Four Cups, The Daniel Dilemma, and What’s Next?.
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January 31, 2026
In 2021, I reviewed Pastor Chris Hodges’ book, Out of the Cave: Stepping into the Light When Depression Darkens What You See, in which he shared his personal struggles with anxiety and depression. He acknowledged the stigma that often surrounds mental health issues, particularly within the Church, emphasizing that no one is immune to depression, even those who have hope through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Through his testimony, Chris illustrated his journey with the Lord, leaving markers for others who may find themselves in similar valleys. Using biblical examples and inspirational stories, he ensured his key points resonated deeply, urging those trapped by depression to step out of the cave and into the light, discovering renewed purpose and hope for the future.
In Breathe Again: Reigniting Your Spirit with the Life of God, Chris Hodges revisits the theme of spiritual valleys, introducing the concept of “the doldrums.” He offers a vivid maritime description, explaining that before the advent of GPS and modern technology, sailors feared the Intertropical Convergence Zone—a “windless dead zone” located five degrees latitude north and south of the equator—more than the Bermuda Triangle. Ships trapped in this zone faced raging storms overhead but could do nothing without wind in their sails, often leading to shipwreck.
While today’s sailors can avoid this area thanks to new technologies, Chris draws a parallel to spiritual life, noting that people can still experience a similar spiritual dead zone. This occurs when individuals keep one foot in the world and the other in God’s Kingdom, becoming spiritually stagnant. He identifies three key reasons for this state:
• Focusing on earthly matters rather than eternity.
• Relying on personal knowledge and intellect instead of seeking the Lord.
• Believing, like Adam and Eve, that we can be like God, rather than trusting in His wisdom and control.
Chris emphasizes that Jesus calls us to focus on the eternal, reminding us that God’s wisdom surpasses our own and that He is sovereign over all. Many Christians view their relationship with Jesus as transactional, driven by performance—attending church, reading the Bible, and following a checklist of dos and don’ts. This can lead to legalistic practices reminiscent of the Pharisees, creating a sense of emptiness. Like the sailors in the doldrums, believers can feel trapped when relying on their own power to do what they think is required by God, instead of simply loving Him and recognizing His sovereignty. Chris urges that true fulfillment comes from placing faith and trust wholly in Him.
Chris reminds readers that we are created for a relationship with our Creator and Father. He points out that how we approach God is crucial and is often the root cause of experiencing spiritual stagnation. Our real life is found in the spirit. Yet, many tend to treat their relationship with God as a business transaction, believing that performing religious duties should result in blessings and prosperity.
Another common misconception is approaching God out of fear, as if trying to appease His anger, similar to Dorothy’s visit to the Wizard of Oz. Obedience driven by duty and fear of Hell, rather than love, misrepresents God’s true nature. Chris clarifies that Jesus promises spiritual abundance and eternal life, not necessarily ease on earth. He points to biblical figures, including Jesus and Paul, as examples that storing up treasures in Heaven is more important than earthly circumstances. Believers have the assurance of eternal life through Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.
Chris encourages readers to truly know the God of the Bible—His love, His rescue plan, and the joy of delighting in His Word. Such a relationship transforms obedience into a joy rather than a burden, leading to deep spiritual roots and fruitfulness in the Spirit. God desires time with us, and in return, we experience His peace and the refreshment of His Spirit.
Chris offers practical ways to renew spiritual vitality, such as spending time in God’s Word and prayer. He highlights the model of the Lord’s Prayer, which he also discusses in his book Pray First: The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer. Jesus modeled the importance of prayer, recommending that it begin each day, since what we give our attention to first is what we worship. Chris explains that while the disciples were familiar with prayer through Jewish tradition, they noticed the unique intimacy in Jesus’ prayers, as He approached God as His Father. Prayer, therefore, is an opportunity to connect with God, seek His guidance, and express gratitude for the day.
Praise and worship are also vital for escaping spiritual stagnation. Chris includes guidance on Sabbath rest, noting that true rest is essential and sometimes requires fasting not just from food but from distractions like social media and smartphones. He introduces readers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, explaining who He is and what He is not. The Holy Spirit dwells in every person who confesses, repents, and surrenders to God, serving as Comforter, Guide, Teacher, and Friend. By focusing on Him, believers can experience renewed spiritual life.
Personal Reflection
This book arrived at a fitting time for me. As the year begins, I find myself surrounded by snow and ice, feeling mentally stuck. Chris’s message is a breath of fresh air. Though some content was familiar from his previous works, I needed the reminder that God sees my struggles and does not intend for me to bear them alone. He instituted rest for our benefit, knowing we would need it, even if He did not. And maybe this month, which right now feels like Bill Murray's Groundhog Day, is a time for renewal.
In Breathe Again: Reigniting Your Spirit with the Life of God, Chris Hodges revisits the theme of spiritual valleys, introducing the concept of “the doldrums.” He offers a vivid maritime description, explaining that before the advent of GPS and modern technology, sailors feared the Intertropical Convergence Zone—a “windless dead zone” located five degrees latitude north and south of the equator—more than the Bermuda Triangle. Ships trapped in this zone faced raging storms overhead but could do nothing without wind in their sails, often leading to shipwreck.
While today’s sailors can avoid this area thanks to new technologies, Chris draws a parallel to spiritual life, noting that people can still experience a similar spiritual dead zone. This occurs when individuals keep one foot in the world and the other in God’s Kingdom, becoming spiritually stagnant. He identifies three key reasons for this state:
• Focusing on earthly matters rather than eternity.
• Relying on personal knowledge and intellect instead of seeking the Lord.
• Believing, like Adam and Eve, that we can be like God, rather than trusting in His wisdom and control.
Chris emphasizes that Jesus calls us to focus on the eternal, reminding us that God’s wisdom surpasses our own and that He is sovereign over all. Many Christians view their relationship with Jesus as transactional, driven by performance—attending church, reading the Bible, and following a checklist of dos and don’ts. This can lead to legalistic practices reminiscent of the Pharisees, creating a sense of emptiness. Like the sailors in the doldrums, believers can feel trapped when relying on their own power to do what they think is required by God, instead of simply loving Him and recognizing His sovereignty. Chris urges that true fulfillment comes from placing faith and trust wholly in Him.
Chris reminds readers that we are created for a relationship with our Creator and Father. He points out that how we approach God is crucial and is often the root cause of experiencing spiritual stagnation. Our real life is found in the spirit. Yet, many tend to treat their relationship with God as a business transaction, believing that performing religious duties should result in blessings and prosperity.
Another common misconception is approaching God out of fear, as if trying to appease His anger, similar to Dorothy’s visit to the Wizard of Oz. Obedience driven by duty and fear of Hell, rather than love, misrepresents God’s true nature. Chris clarifies that Jesus promises spiritual abundance and eternal life, not necessarily ease on earth. He points to biblical figures, including Jesus and Paul, as examples that storing up treasures in Heaven is more important than earthly circumstances. Believers have the assurance of eternal life through Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.
Chris encourages readers to truly know the God of the Bible—His love, His rescue plan, and the joy of delighting in His Word. Such a relationship transforms obedience into a joy rather than a burden, leading to deep spiritual roots and fruitfulness in the Spirit. God desires time with us, and in return, we experience His peace and the refreshment of His Spirit.
Chris offers practical ways to renew spiritual vitality, such as spending time in God’s Word and prayer. He highlights the model of the Lord’s Prayer, which he also discusses in his book Pray First: The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer. Jesus modeled the importance of prayer, recommending that it begin each day, since what we give our attention to first is what we worship. Chris explains that while the disciples were familiar with prayer through Jewish tradition, they noticed the unique intimacy in Jesus’ prayers, as He approached God as His Father. Prayer, therefore, is an opportunity to connect with God, seek His guidance, and express gratitude for the day.
Praise and worship are also vital for escaping spiritual stagnation. Chris includes guidance on Sabbath rest, noting that true rest is essential and sometimes requires fasting not just from food but from distractions like social media and smartphones. He introduces readers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, explaining who He is and what He is not. The Holy Spirit dwells in every person who confesses, repents, and surrenders to God, serving as Comforter, Guide, Teacher, and Friend. By focusing on Him, believers can experience renewed spiritual life.
Personal Reflection
This book arrived at a fitting time for me. As the year begins, I find myself surrounded by snow and ice, feeling mentally stuck. Chris’s message is a breath of fresh air. Though some content was familiar from his previous works, I needed the reminder that God sees my struggles and does not intend for me to bear them alone. He instituted rest for our benefit, knowing we would need it, even if He did not. And maybe this month, which right now feels like Bill Murray's Groundhog Day, is a time for renewal.
March 24, 2026
I wish thank Chris Hodges, publishers Thomas Nelson, and Goodreads for this providing this book to me. This would be great as study material for bible study group. I’m reading for a second time for more concentrated study.
To be a book from an Alabama minister I was surprised that I was so touched. The book presented me with a more concentrated study of prayer, Jesus teachings, and forming a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit and God. The feeling of Divine inspiration came through his writing, making wish for a closer relationship with the holy trinity. I have decided that I wish to read his other books.
This book was written so that anyone could start a relationship with God the father, using the writing of Mr. Hodges as a foundation to build on, with biblical reading to form a structure with. I felt touched as I read the words as if there was intervention leading this book in my life.
Chris Hodges encourages the readers with life lesson and personal experiences. The reader feels as if they get a personal peek into his relationship with God and are lead to how to gain a more personal relationship themselves. This is not a book to read for pleasure but a book to form a better you, a you more pleasing to our God.
Although I love to read all genres of book that are well written but this book spoke more to me than most I have reads.
To be a book from an Alabama minister I was surprised that I was so touched. The book presented me with a more concentrated study of prayer, Jesus teachings, and forming a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit and God. The feeling of Divine inspiration came through his writing, making wish for a closer relationship with the holy trinity. I have decided that I wish to read his other books.
This book was written so that anyone could start a relationship with God the father, using the writing of Mr. Hodges as a foundation to build on, with biblical reading to form a structure with. I felt touched as I read the words as if there was intervention leading this book in my life.
Chris Hodges encourages the readers with life lesson and personal experiences. The reader feels as if they get a personal peek into his relationship with God and are lead to how to gain a more personal relationship themselves. This is not a book to read for pleasure but a book to form a better you, a you more pleasing to our God.
Although I love to read all genres of book that are well written but this book spoke more to me than most I have reads.
December 18, 2025
Breathe Again is a book mostly about the Christian faith and how to get the most out of it. The first few chapters pretty much cover the Gospel. The next few cover the process of strengthening your relationship with God. It covers the areas like reading the Bible, praying, etc. Lots of encouragement here because as a Christian he covers what a walk with God should look like. The last part kind of puts it all together by giving us steps with walking and letting the Holy Spirit use us. Overall for a seasoned Christian, lots of this may seem familiar instead of groundbreaking. For new believers, this book will truly help you start in the right direction in your new walk with Christ.
One thing I would have liked to see is a deeper focus on the Holy Spirit in the book. I do understand this book’s purpose is not intended for that after reading, but it’s more of a preference, not a critique.
Good book. I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley on behalf of Thomas Nelson, but wasn't obligated to post a review. All opinions are my honest opinions.
One thing I would have liked to see is a deeper focus on the Holy Spirit in the book. I do understand this book’s purpose is not intended for that after reading, but it’s more of a preference, not a critique.
Good book. I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley on behalf of Thomas Nelson, but wasn't obligated to post a review. All opinions are my honest opinions.
March 13, 2026
Breathe Again: Reigniting Your Spirit with the Life of God by Chris Hodges is an encouraging Christian living book focused on renewing faith and rediscovering a Spirit-filled life. Hodges emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as the source of strength, peace, and purpose, reminding readers that faith is meant to be more than routine or obligation. Through biblical teaching and practical reflections, the book invites readers to move from spiritual burnout toward a deeper, more vibrant relationship with God.
The tone is hopeful and accessible, making it easy to read while still offering meaningful spiritual insight. Hodges blends personal experience with Scripture to encourage readers to experience God’s presence in everyday life and to live with renewed passion and confidence. Overall, it’s a motivating and uplifting read for anyone seeking spiritual refreshment and a reminder of the freedom and joy found in a life led by the Holy Spirit.
The tone is hopeful and accessible, making it easy to read while still offering meaningful spiritual insight. Hodges blends personal experience with Scripture to encourage readers to experience God’s presence in everyday life and to live with renewed passion and confidence. Overall, it’s a motivating and uplifting read for anyone seeking spiritual refreshment and a reminder of the freedom and joy found in a life led by the Holy Spirit.
December 31, 2025
This book has me feeling encouraged, inspired, and energized!
One particular focus that resonates strongly is the comparison of the two trees in the garden and what each tells us to do. This evaluation really puts things in perspective. Another is about taking responsibility for my attitude. “The key is to focus on what happens in you, not to you.” This speaks volumes and emphasizes something I need to work on. The book is filled with motivating tidbits like this.
I love how each topic closes with a section called Breathing Lesson, wrapping up what I've read and helping me apply it to my everyday life. This book is a wonderful tool in living more abundantly and filling my spirit with positivity and purpose.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
One particular focus that resonates strongly is the comparison of the two trees in the garden and what each tells us to do. This evaluation really puts things in perspective. Another is about taking responsibility for my attitude. “The key is to focus on what happens in you, not to you.” This speaks volumes and emphasizes something I need to work on. The book is filled with motivating tidbits like this.
I love how each topic closes with a section called Breathing Lesson, wrapping up what I've read and helping me apply it to my everyday life. This book is a wonderful tool in living more abundantly and filling my spirit with positivity and purpose.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
March 3, 2026
Breathe Again by Chris Hodges is an uplifting Christian book about rediscovering spiritual renewal through the Holy Spirit. The author explains that many people experience spiritual exhaustion and encourages readers to move beyond routine religion toward a deeper, more personal relationship with God.
Through biblical insight and practical encouragement, Hodges shows how reconnecting with God’s presence can restore joy, purpose, and strength in everyday life. Overall, the book offers a hopeful message that faith should feel life-giving and empowering, helping readers reignite their spirit and grow in their relationship with God. ✨
Through biblical insight and practical encouragement, Hodges shows how reconnecting with God’s presence can restore joy, purpose, and strength in everyday life. Overall, the book offers a hopeful message that faith should feel life-giving and empowering, helping readers reignite their spirit and grow in their relationship with God. ✨
January 12, 2026
Wonderful book.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews