One of the many names of God is Yahweh, as we pronounce it. However, we as limited humans have added vowels into the actual Name which is YHWH. This, when pronounced properly, is a breath in and a breath out. It is the signature of God on His handiwork and it is an active display of God's mercy to us.
Every breath we draw is not guaranteed. We often think that we are owed the basic necessities like breathing, but we're not. Every day of our lives is spent in sin at one point or another. Sin is something that makes us far from worthy of anything, especially mercy from a Holy God who we've transgressed against.
”The Lord executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.“
Psalms 103:6-14 NKJV
God's mercy is great and far more than we deserve. This is another instance of us giving God rags and He giving us His riches. God is the one deciding when we breathe and if we breathe. When His name is blasphemed, when someone kills another, or when His salvation is dismissed. He extends mercy again and again. From the most devout Christian to the most hardened atheist God's mercy is great enough to even stamp us with His makers mark. Every breath we breathe is a literal reminder that He is in control and delving out each breath.
”Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.“
Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV
As believers we are extended God's mercy through His Son Jesus. Meaning God has looked over our transgressions because of His Son's death. Giving us mercy instead of the punishment that could have been given. If you have not trusted Jesus, God extends the offer of mercy for your transgressions as well. The offer stands until you draw your last breath.
”Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy.“
Micah 7:18 NKJV
God wishes to extend this mercy to all. No one is left out of the invite. There will be some that refuse His mercy. And hopefully they will accept it before God lets them breathe in the last of it. God isn't looking for anyone to trip up so that He may zap them down dead. As the verse says, "He delights in mercy." Sometimes the mercy is not giving you the punishment you deserve and sometimes it's a hard time in life so that you run to God. However, it is admistered God abounds in mercy, but we must all be aware not to take His mercy for granted should it run out for us.
"Every time we draw our breath we suck in mercy" -Thomas J. Watson