Did you know that most perfume stores carry coffee beans? This is a tradition because it is believed that when you are shopping for cologne, your nose will get cluttered with too many smells. With each new spray of the perfume your nose will not be able to distinguish the first from the tenth smell. Some believe that when you sniff the coffee beans, in between your smells, that the beans act as a palate cleanser for your nose. This allows you to smell fragrance after fragrance with ease. Others have suggested that is myth and the smell of a wool scarf will do the same thing.
Whether this is true or not, the fact remains, if our mind or our nose is cluttered with too many smells or information, we can become overwhelmed. In a similar way, a quiet time with the Lord can be like a good bag of coffee beans or a wool scarf. When each day is filled with information, stress, and conversations, we can be confused by what to do next. It is the alone time with God that can be a soul cleanser. When we have had this time, our soul will be rejuvenated.
Jesus once said, “But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6) (HCSB). There are times to pray together as a group, but for the majority of our time, prayer is to be done in a quite place. Prayer is not only about us talking to God, it is about God speaking to us. Yes we may not hear God’s audible voice, but He will speak to us through the Bible, through a song, or even by a still small voice in our heart.
How can we know that we have heard the voice of God. One way is through the Bible. God will not contradict Himself. We must always go back to Scripture when believe we have heard from God. This is also important when we listen to a sermon. Let’s test is with what the Word of God says. Another way is through conformation. People can confirm gifts and callings on our life. When we have good Godly friends and leaders around us, they can see things in us. A Coach can see a youth’s running ability, take them aside, and encourage them to try out for track or soccer. In the same way, the church can confirm callings on our life. God can speak through people.
When you take time alone with God, you are refreshing our Spiritual nose. You can remove all of the other smells and think better. Psalm 119:105 tells us, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” God’s Word will guide us. Let’s be like Jesus and have a quiet time with God. Take time this week to spend at least thirty-five minutes with the Lord. Take five to ten minutes each day and have a quiet time with the Lord.