The Smell Of Truth

I had just buried my head in my hands in prayer this morning when I noticed something odd. I could smell an odor on my hands. I recognized that smell. It was the smell of ink on a printed page. I had paper routes as a child. I can still remember that same ink smell on my hands back then. That same smell got my attention. Only this time it was not the smell from newspapers. It was the smell from my Bible. Only a few weeks ago I had to buy a new Bible. The smell on my hands was the smell of truth.

Wonderful, timeless, perfect, pure, God breathed truth. It lingered on my hands and the aroma awakened my sense of smell. The smell made a lasting impression on me. The bigger impression is the impact that truth has had on my life for three decades. I can read certain passages and will be transported in my mind to places and circumstances where God first spoke that same word to me.

That is what happened this morning. I read a passage that is very meaningful to me. I have preached and taught on that very passage multiple times over the years. Only today Jehovah used it to speak to me again. Just what I needed for today. A very timely word.

I recalled that same smell reading another old book recently. It was a book of revival sermons by R.A. Torrey published in 1903. That book had the smell of truth on it too. Page after page of commentary on the Holy Scriptures.  The smell of truth. One of the most beautiful fragrances I have enjoyed. Better than the sweetest perfume, the most savory meal, or fragrant flower. A scent I give God thanks for. May the scent of that truth always penetrate my heart drawing me ever closer to the Divine author.