Most humans are born with five senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Just as our physical senses help us to understand the world around us, they can also help us to sense the presence of God. God exists whether or not we sense him around us, just as smells exist whether our noses can sense them or not.
How can we recognize that we are not sensing God, and begin to seek him again?
Just as we follow our noses to the smell of fresh-baked bread or our eyes to a lovely garden, let’s use the metaphor of our physical senses and see what Scripture says about sensing God’s presence in a spiritual way.
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See God: Focus on God’s wonderful instructions and search after his goodness.
“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13) “For with You is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” (Psalm 36:9) “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.” (Psalm 119:18).
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Hear God: Pay close attention to the truth about who God is, who you are and who others are around you.
“He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the world of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28) “He who belongs to God hears what God says.” (John 8:47a) “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28).
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Taste God: Savor the richness and blessings God has for you.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8) “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.” (Psalm 119:103).
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Smell God: Follow the standards Christ modeled for you and leave his sweet scent behind in your interactions.
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)
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Touch God: Be courageous and become an active participant, not just a spectator, in what he’s doing in the world.
“She said to herself, ‘If only I touch His cloak, I will be healed.’” (Matthew 9:21) ”…and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.” (Luke 6:19).
What sense do you need to cultivate today as you seek after God?
Read an earlier post by Tammy here.