The Aroma of the Holy Spirit

Smell of Spring…

I came outside to my small garden the other day, and what hit me was the smell of our citrus trees. It is springtime. The smell of the lemon, orange and grapefruit blossoms pervaded through the air. It created a feeling in me of calmness and serenity. That feeling came from a fragrance!

How good is God that He shows us Him in the natural wonders of our world?!

I was at church recently. I walked out to attend to something and when I got back into the room, worship was in a beautiful moment. I suddenly could smell flowers. Like freesias or sweet roses. Everywhere. It was like I had walked into a massive flower shop. I could not figure out where it was coming from. I sniffed a few people nearby (yes, slightly weird, but not up close and personal) thinking it was a perfume or similar. It was not. It was in the ‘air’. The fragrance of the Holy Spirit was in the air!

Many times in the bible, it talks about perfumes, incense and smoke depicting the anointing of God in the moment. It is an offering of worship to God.  (2 Chron 2:4) Why was Jesus anointed with perfume by Mary? To show his Godliness and holiness. Frankincense was used to portray the priesthood of Jesus. The list goes on.

He still shows up in that way today. Many people have smelt various smells when the anointing of God is in the place.

Corinthians 2:15 says we show our lives as a sweet savor or perfume to lead others to Him.

As we enter a room, may our ‘aroma of Christ’ hit the people within it. May that be the first thing they feel. May we be that sweet offering to Him daily.

• Penny Atkinson

Photos from my garden!