What is that delightful, sweet fragrance emanating from the craggy rocks along winding East TN roadways? It’s springtime in these mountains, and as I head down our road to do the morning care of our 3 goats, I breathe my first scent of honeysuckle deeply and smile gratefully.
And what’s the source of this pleasing bit of flowery fragrance and life? The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty has given me life. (KJV: Job 33: 4) It’s hard to fathom God’s breath giving life to everything, including me. Folklore indicates flowers were used during Victorian times to communicate messages. If I send you a bouquet of honeysuckle, my message speaks of devoted love.
We all have a physical body, mind, emotions, and a spirit that was created, breathed into life, by God, because He loves us devotedly. We love him because he first loved us. (KJV: 1 John 4: 19) And as our loving Creator, He promises to help us sort out the confusion in our minds and in the world around us. But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty give them understanding. (KJV: Job 32: 8 – 9)
The abundance of disturbing news, reported by multiple media sources, often contradicts itself. Who or what ideology do I believe, trust, and ultimately act on? For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. (NLT: Proverbs 2: 6 – 8)
Another promise from the One who breathed into all living things life because he devotedly loves. Gratefully admiring His beautiful creation through my senses brings joy, and following His Spirit-breathed wisdom brings peace. Because perfect love expels all fear. (NLT: 1 John 4: 18)
It’s mindlessly easy to admire the smells and beauty of creation. It takes diligence, focus, and practice to breathe in God’s words deeply and believe them. But the inspiring Spirit of God gives me the desire and the strength to learn and to follow. His wisdom brings the blessing of knowing His perfect love and His perfect peace, no matter what!