Think of the last time you . . .
. . . gazed in wonder at a blazing sunset,
. . . marveled at the heavenly aroma of lilacs or orange blossoms, or
. . . listened to a melody that brought tears to your eyes.
God has equipped us with amazing physical senses, enabling us to experience and enjoy the display of his creative genius.
But physical manifestations are not his only outlet of expression. God also revels in displaying his fullness in our hearts. The question is: how do we become aware of such revelations in the abstract realm of our spirits?
A.W. Tozer presents a possibility in his classic, The Pursuit of God. He suggests we use the senses of our hearts.
The Bible gives us glimpses of how these internal senses might work.
1. TASTE
David urges us to “taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). That verse reminds me of a father urging his child to try a bite of some new food. “Try it—you’ll like it!” he says.
As Christians, we can “try” God—offer him a prayer, believe in a promise, trust in his love and care. He will not ignore such efforts! When we come near to God, he will come near to us (James 4:7).
2. SMELL
Although Psalm 45 was written as a wedding song, perhaps for King Solomon, it also has prophetic qualities, looking forward to the day when Christ and his bride, the church, will be united forever. Verse 8 mentions the groom’s fragrant robes:
“All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia,” wrote the psalmist.
Think of a favorite candle with a delightful aroma. Do you light it and then leave it? No, more than likely you place that candle in close proximity, so you can breathe in deeply the lovely fragrance and relish the pleasure.
We can draw near to God and relish the pleasure of his presence—the fragrance of his peace, joy, and comfort.
3. HEARING
Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).
His voice represents wisdom, guidance, encouragement, and security. Our primary source for those benefits? The Bible. But God also speaks to his children in other ways: through creation, other people, events, even inner impressions.
Times of stillness are necessary. If every moment is filled with chatter, we will not be able to hear God.
4. TOUCH
Talk to those who have sought God during a crisis and without exception they will attest to sensing God’s presence with them. For me, it’s like a holy heart-hug, infusing me with peace of mind and strength of heart. Not that I am impervious to hurt or discouragement, but the touch of God provides respite and hope.
How? Through praise and worship, especially as I meditate in the psalms.
5. SIGHT
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8).
The verb tense used here is called “future continuous.” The verse could read: “They shall be continually seeing God for themselves.”
I’m reminded of a time Steve and I visited friends at their new home. We turned off a familiar busy street and were almost immediately surrounded by tall trees. The homes were set back from the road, barely visible. The neighborhood was a bit of country set down in the middle of our metropolis.
“Who knew this area even existed?” I said to Steve. He agreed.
We had both passed that street numerous times, but never saw it.
Isn’t that how it is with God? We’re so busy, dashing from one task to the next, we never see God at work around us. We aren’t looking for him so we miss him.
But! When we are attentive for evidence of God’s presence and power, we will see him!
“When the habit of inwardly gazing Godward
becomes fixed within us,
we shall be ushered onto
a new level of spiritual life.”
– A.W. Tozer
* * * * * * * * * *
Thank you, loving Father, that you do expand my understanding as I seek to know you more and strive to comprehend more fully the greatness of your glory. Teach me to use the five senses of my heart to accomplish those goals. With great anticipation, I look forward to the new levels of spiritual life to which you will guide me!
(Photo credits: www.flickr.com (2); www.roshchodeshnewmoon; http://www.canva.com http://www.pixabay.com; www.flickr.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Reblogged this on Morning Story and Dilbert.
Thank you very much for the reblog, Kenny. I am honored!
nice!
Thank you very much! I’m delighted God ministered to you through the post.
Reblogged this on God's group and commented:
What a beautiful rendition of our 5 senses through the heart of a believer !!
Blessings in Christ, bruce
Thank you very much, Bruce. I am so glad the post was meaningful to you. Praise God!
This is wonderful and a great way of bringing out bible passages in a different and new light. In our travels, I constantly thank the Lord for this amazing world we lived in.
Oh, yes–being surrounded by God’s incredible creation certainly does turn our hearts toward praise and worship! I’m honored that you found the post meaningful.
Dilbert!
At the root of all pursuit, regardless of the sense used, there is a simple action on our part: Ask. Amazing how two different parts of the Body will be on the same wavelength, isn’t it? 🙂
Beautiful post.
Oh, yes! It’s very encouraging to have another Christian affirm what you think might be truth. Sometimes the affirmation is so strong, I can almost hear God’s voice saying, “See? What have I been telling you?” Thank you for stopping by, Don. You are so right–the simple act of asking goes a long way toward receiving the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4).
“Having God is not a question of capturing God. It is a question of coming to see God everywhere, in everything and first of all deep within ourselves”
Joan Chittister.
Again thinking of all the wonders of God’s creation and learning to see with our spirit.
Indeed, God is everywhere, in everything (since He made it all!), and especially deep within our hearts, as we draw near to Him. What a great quote! Thank you for sharing, Loraine.
I ordered the “The Pursuit of God on my kindle. I am looking forward to reading it. My friend Marilyn and I went to the National Cemetery in Buschnell yesterday and we both looked at the grounds and both commented how beautiful they look. God’s presence was truly with us. Thanks again Nancy. God bless you.
You won’t be disappointed with Tozer’s “The Pursuit of God.”
How wonderful you felt God’s presence in a cemetery. That’s not the first place that comes to mind when considering where His presence might be most palpable!
God bless you, too, dear Laura.
Great post, Nancy!
Thank you, Bill. I so appreciate your encouragement.
One thing about photography – it has helped me to focus on all those little gifts that God gives us every day
What a great way to foster worship–through your camera lens. Thank you for stopping by!
This is beautifully written, Nancy. Thank you for sharing. May I re-blog?
Thank you, Frances. You most certainly may reblog! I am honored you wish to do so!
I had truthfully never associated our senses with the heart. How insightful of you to connect these together! Whenever I see a colorful painting and admire it…I’m reminded that man’s interpretation of beauty is nothing compared to the colors created by our Lord. Heaven is going to be wonder upon wonder of these senses, enhanced to the nth degree by HIM. We truly have no clue as to the wonders that await us…
The credit for the connection goes to A. W. Tozer–I just extrapolated! But you’re right…every time we gasp at wonders here on earth, God is probably smiling and saying, “Just you wait…you haven’t seen anything yet!” Thank you for your insights, Cheri.
[…] across as a reblog, and although I don’t currently follow Nancy Ruegg , this particular post The Five Senses of the Heart was far too good not to include in Sunday Showcase. I hope you will be as blessed as I was when I […]
Dear Nancy, I’ve decided to feature your blog post on Sunday Showcase this week.
Blessings,
Lyn
Thank you, Lyn. I am honored you found “The Five Senses of the Heart” worthy to share with your readers. Indeed God is blessing! I pray you are sensing His touch in your life as well.
Gratefully,
Nancy
I wanted to say how much I enjoy reading your blogs! I commend your insight and commitment to serving our Great God! I look forward to worshiping together and hope to see you at the potluck! 🙂 Love, Candy
Thank you, Candy, for your encouragement. I am delighted that you find the blog posts meaningful!