— J. Robert Oppenheimer
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Perhaps it’s that full-tilt enthusiasm for life that Jesus had in mind, at least in part, when He told the disciples to “become like little children” (Matt. 18: 3, NIV). Children are teachable because they are hitting on all cylinders of human senses and cannot get enough. Humans are the culmination of creation. Who should be more extravagant in spirit than God’s greatest creation?
Notice the natural exuberance of Isaiah 44:23: “Sing for joy, O heavens, for the Lord has done this; shout aloud, O earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests
Open Listened, really listened, to the Wide! calming sounds of the ocean? When was the last time you ...
Slowly ate a Tootsie Roll Pop, recalling fond childhood memories as the candy shell melted in your mouth?
and all your trees, for the Lord has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel” (NIV). A rising torrent of sound! Pull out the stops! Turn loose the senses! Why? Because you are redeemed! Your offenses have been swept away!
Hasn’t God displayed His glory in you? In your family? In your church? Then like the children of Israel returned from captivity, let it be said “our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy” (Ps. 126:2, NIV). Reclaim your senses, throw a praise party, for the Lord has done great things!
How do you come back to your senses when you’re so far out of touch? One of God’s greatest communication links is Scripture. Feed on it in all its glory — and when you do, your senses come alive.
By focusing on Scripture, you better understand what God is telling you through each of the senses. When you feel the warm sun on your face, be reminded that it’s His touch on your heart that forever takes you from the winter of your sin to the summer of His grace. Taste a spoonful of honey, and remember Solomon’s admonition that just as honeycomb is sweet to the tongue, so is God’s wisdom sweet to the soul and much to be desired. Breathe in the delightful aroma of a rose, and ponder how the Creator breathed into Adam’s nostrils the sweet breath of life. Listen to a brass ensemble lift up the notes of “Amazing Grace,” and imagine the clarion call of the heavenly trumpet that will one day gather you to the life imperishable. Look for the good in life, and know that the Good Shepherd sees you through eyes of mercy and keeps continual watch over you.
Come back to your senses. You’ll be amazed at the ways God communicates to your very soul.
Soaked in a sunset painting the sky for God?
Really breathed in the aroma of a home-cooked meal — and thanked the cook for it?
Touched a baby’s skin, savoring the velvet texture, one of God’s most exquisite creations?
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