Do you remember from childhood the pungent scent of burning leaves in the autumn? In Chicago people accumulated piles of leaves in October. The easiest way to get rid of them was to rake them into the street near the curb and burn them. This was usually done in the early evening. The glowing light of the flames and sharp fragrance would inevitably draw a few boys around nine or ten years old to watch the spectacle.

You wouldn’t think that the smell of something has religious significance, but it does. After the flood had ended Noah built an altar and offered sacrifices. “And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the LORD said in his heart, ‘I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done’” (Genesis 8:21).

This seems a rather primitive understanding of God, but it conveys the idea that nothing seen, heard, felt or even smelled escapes the notice or concern of God. Maybe this worries people because it means God knows every one of our misdeeds, but it also means God is aware of all the things that happen to including our hardships. Before we even pray about our problems, God takes notice of them.  

We begin to notice the signs of autumn–leaves changing color, grass turning brown, the temperature falling. Mother Nature seems to be in retreat, but God remains with us no matter what we experience. Have faith.

Read Luke 12:27-28  and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne