GospelBells Radio
Engaging the culture with the mind of Christ
GospelBells Radio
Engaging the culture with the mind of Christ
Pilgrim's Joy

How Kind, How Beautiful, and How Sweet-Smelling!

by |Published

May the sweetness of His perfume stay fresh on you forever. Tap ‘play’ to listen.

Inspired by the hymn, JESUS, THE VERY THOUGHT OF THEE

Dear pilgrim, I am one of those who, at the mention of the name of Jesus, feels an indescribable sweetness from the very core of my being. I am not alone. There are many blessed people just like me. St, Bernard of Clairvaux was also one of us. I hope you are in that number as well. Indeed, God’s Holy Spirit invites to join the number, the number of those who sweetly smile and swell with joy at the mention of the name of Jesus.

In celebration of this sweetness and joy, St. Bernard of Clairvaux wrote this:

 Jesus, the very thought of thee 
with sweetness fills the breast; 
but sweeter far thy face to see, 
and in thy presence rest.

Could it be that it was Jesus Christ that the bride in Songs of Solomon 1:3 was referring to when she said: How pleasing is your fragrance; your name is like the spreading fragrance of scented oils. No wonder all the young women love you!

He smells of sweetness to the contrite, remorseful, and repentant sinner. For He has said: “…whoever comes to me, I will never drive away.”

He smells of sweetness to meek people who are not trusting in themselves for anything but are always looking to Him for help. He said of them blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.

He smells of pleasing fragrance to those who fall, because He lifts them up. Indeed, as the prophet wrote in Isaiah 42:3a, He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle; he will not step on the weakest grass and will not blow out a dying candle.

And to those who are genuinely seeking salvation, He reveals Himself. If with all your heart you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me. Jer. 29:13

O hope of every contrite heart, 
O joy of all the meek, 
to those who fall, how kind thou art! 
How good to those who seek!

Are you standing afar off on account of sin? Come to Him repentant and He will forgive you and embrace you with His love. In that warm embrqce, you will smell His sweet fragrance. 

Have you fallen? Look up to Him and He will lift out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He will set your feet on a rock and gave you a firm place to stand. That deliverance and help will fill your heart with sweetness.

Are you seeking Him for salvation, healing, wisdom, or provision? He will freely give. It was His voice in Is. 55:1 that cried out saying: “Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free!

 Jesus, the very thought of thee 
with sweetness fills the breast; 
but sweeter far thy face to see, 
and in thy presence rest.

O hope of every contrite heart, 
O joy of all the meek, 
to those who fall, how kind thou art! 
How good to those who seek!

Let us pray. May the name of Jesus lift you out of the pit of sin, sickness, confusion, lack, and fear so much so that the sweetness of His perfume when He saved and helped you will stay fresh on you forever. In Jesus name, Amen.

Pilgrim’s Joy Devotional is a collection of meditations inspired by Christian hymns. This episode was written and read by Olufemi Oguntokun. Please leave us comments in the box below.

Do you want to join our community? Please send us a WhatsApp message or an email. Do you have a prayer request? Send it here anonymously. Do you have a testimony to share? Send us a WhatsApp Voice Note here or simply requestPilgrim’s Joy Devotional Closing 1 to be our guest (live or by telephone) on ThankfulThursday@7AM.

Do you want to listen to back episodes of any of the programs on GospelBellsRadio.com? Please visit here. God bless you and please share this episode with others.