2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Job 28:1-30:31 ESV, 2 Corinthians 2:12-17 ESV, Psalm 42:1-11 ESV, Proverbs 22:7 ESV
Daily Verse: “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians 2:14 ESV)
OSME (3744): “A smell, and odor” is translated “odour” in Jn 12:3; it is used metaphorically in Eph 5:2, “a sweet smelling savor,” of the effects God-ward of the sacrifice of Christ; in Phil 4:18 of the effect of sacrifice, on the part of those in the church at Philippi, who sent material assistance to the apostle in his imprisonment. The word is translated “savor” in 2 Cor. 2:14, 16.”[i]
Sweet smelling.
Knowing God brings a sweet smell to your life. Hope springs eternal when we follow Jesus. With Christ, everything becomes possible; overcoming our past happens one day at a time as we follow Jesus.
Recently, I spent the week with my lifelong friend Lori. Friends since elementary school, our friendship spans decades. After visiting my childhood home, still occupied by the people who bought it from my parents 40 years ago, I said. “I think I’ve finally forgiven my parents for moving us from here.”
“God had different plans for you,” Lori said.
Let go.
I held onto anger and bitterness for forty years because we moved from the place I loved. Yet I didn’t realize the pain I caused myself by not accepting God’s will for my life. Rebelling against the uncontrollable, I let a bitter root grow.
God’s will for your life carries a fragrance that blooms when we follow Him. When Jesus exams our hearts, He illuminates the bitter roots that stop us from living fully. Accepting the Lord’s direction with humility will help His fragrance fill our world.
“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 6:9 ESV)
Allow God to fill your world with His fragrance as He directs your steps. When the Lord takes you in a direction you don’t want to go, submit to His will. Ask Jesus to give you the right attitude that will glorify Him and allow you to live your life to the fullest.
Bloom where God plants you; let His fragrance fill your nostrils as you follow Him closely. In Him, you will find peace.
[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 197) Thomas Nelson
