How Heaven Smells

“Your oils have a pleasing fragrance,
Your name is like purified oil…

Draw me after You and let us run together!”
Song of Songs 1:3-4a

Little alters one’s mood like a pleasing fragrance.

• bread, hot out of the oven
• wet, rich soil
• sun dried towels
• just-bathed babies
• ripe grapefruit
• soft, worn leather
• freshly cut wood
• finely chopped herbs

These cause the soul to pause and remember it’s alive.

I love such moments, but more still catching a whiff of heaven.

You know, those reminders of a realm more real than the ground under your feet. Perfectly timed confirmations that you are a new creation, born of the spirit, seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

These treasured experiences are meant to reveal more fully the One who is all in all. To unfold Truth. To display the unending wisdom, power, and goodness of Jehovah. And to lead you closer to His gaze.

Sometimes heavenly aromas blow across your path in physical, tangible ways.

We’re half-way through summer with signs of fall already showing. But as I walked between thundershowers this morning the Spirit whispered, “It smells like spring.”

I took in a deep breath and smiled as He continued.

“I can bring springtime to any season. I made the seasons for man, for the earth, but I’m outside of time. I can bring forth Life in any season.”

As I walked, I recalled priceless moments when God stepped into my winter seasons and planted hope. How He caused dry, harsh circumstances to burst forth with fresh, green growth. And I paused to ponder how He might bring new beginnings in this season.

How many times I’ve enjoyed the smell of rain, but today He used it to remind me:

None of life’s seasons can stop His Life’s intervention.

Several years ago, during an especially difficult time, I began to notice the strong scent of sagebrush surrounding me each morning as I hiked. One day the Holy Spirit whispered, “That’s the fragrance of grace.”

I would savor the bittersweet smell for hours, often rubbing the leaves between my fingers or breaking off small branches to take home. Inhaling the distinct odor brought comfort and strength as it assured me of a Father who leads us to victory.

In measures I’m still unfolding years later, I’ve learned:

God’s grace encompasses, turning bitter pain into sweet fellowship.

I wonder if these truths also went through Jesus’ mind as Mary poured pure nard on His feet and wiped them with her hair. As perfume filled the room, the fragrance of worship overshadowed His impending pain and prophesied a Life that overcomes death. What a precious gift from a loving Father.

Sometimes, no natural cause can explain a sweet incense.

• Like a breeze through a window, I’ve often caught the gentle aroma of kindness or joy or peace when someone walked by.
• While in worship and prayer, I’ve sensed a residue of smoke and ashes, although no fire was near.
• Sometimes, as I sit quietly in God’s presence a soft perfume fills my spirit.

Although I understand only in part, all of these experiences pointed me to Jesus. All of them drew me into deeper communion with my Father.

All of them revealed the One who became a sweet fragrance and calls us to the same (Ephesians 5:1-2).

Now it’s your turn.

Have you thought about or experienced the Holy Spirit using your sense of smell to draw you into a deeper relationship? What truths have you learned through natural or supernatural fragrances?

Want to see more from Amy? Check out her article How God Measures Success.

Amy Layne Litzelman is passionate about knowing God more intimately in each moment and helping others do the same. Amy released her first book, This Beloved Road: A Journey of Revelation and Worship, in 2011. She has also composed over seventy songs, recorded four CDs, and traveled to teach and lead worship across the United States and in the Philippines and China. She and her husband, Matt, live in Jackson Hole, WY and have two adult sons.

Click here to learn more about gifted faith writer Amy Layne Litzelman.