When Life Presses Me, What Comes Out?
Exodus 30:22-33
After a short break, we are continuing our journey through the book of Exodus.
In Exodus 30:22-33, God gives Moses detailed instructions for making the holy anointing oil. He specifies the ingredients and their quantities: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, 250 shekels of sweet-smelling cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, 500 shekels of cassia, and one hin of olive oil.
Then God says:
“You shall make from these a holy anointing oil, an ointment compounded according to the art of the perfumer.”
– Exodus 30:25 ESV
These ingredients were not simply mixed together casually. They were carefully measured and prepared according to the skill of a perfumer to produce a particular fragrant compound, and the finished oil was set apart as holy.
That detail made me pause.
A Fragrance That Is Carefully Prepared
The ancient world understood the work of a perfumer as skilled work. Aromatic substances had to be carefully prepared and compounded so that their fragrance could become part of the finished ointment.
The Bible does not tell us that every ingredient was necessarily crushed in a particular way, so I do not want to make that a symbolic meaning of the passage. But the process made me think about something we see in many fragrant substances: their fragrance can be released through breaking, grinding, or processing.
And that brought a question to my heart:
“When life presses me, what comes out of me?”
When everything is going well, it is easy to think that I am patient and peaceful.
But what happens when I am disappointed?
When someone criticises me?
When my plans fail?
When someone hurts me?
What comes out then?
Anger? Pride? Bitterness? Harsh words?
Sometimes pressure does not create these things in us. It simply reveals what was already there.
That can be uncomfortable to recognise. But perhaps that is also an opportunity.
Instead of asking only, “Lord, why am I going through this?” perhaps I can ask:
“Lord, what is this situation revealing in me?”
The One Who Was Crushed for Us
This thought naturally takes me to Jesus.
Isaiah says:
“He was crushed for our iniquities.”
– Isaiah 53:5 ESV
The suffering of Christ was completely unique. He was not merely going through a difficult season; He was bearing our sins and accomplishing our salvation.
Yet when we look at Jesus in His suffering, we see love, grace, forgiveness, and obedience.
And that challenges me.
When I am wounded, what comes out of me?
When I am treated unfairly, what comes out?
When I am under pressure, does Christ’s character become visible – or does my old nature take control?
Paul writes that God spreads through us “the fragrance of the knowledge of him.”
“For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”
– 2 Corinthians 2:15 ESV
The fragrance of Christ is not something we manufacture through religious words or outward appearances. It becomes visible as His character grows in us – through love, humility, patience, kindness, forgiveness, and grace.
What Is My Life Releasing?
Perhaps our difficult moments can become moments of honest examination.
When I am frustrated, what do people experience from me?
When I am corrected, do I respond with humility?
When I am disappointed, do I become bitter?
When someone fails me, can I still show grace?
These moments may reveal areas where God still needs to work in me.
I cannot manufacture the character of Christ by simply trying to appear spiritual. I need the Holy Spirit to transform me from within.
So today, I want to carry one simple question:
“When life presses me, what fragrance is coming out of my life?”
And perhaps the prayer can be simple too:
“Lord, whatever You reveal in me, please change it.”
Heavenly Father, You know what is within my heart. When the pressures of life reveal anger, pride, bitterness, fear, or impatience, help me not to hide or justify them. Give me the humility to bring them before You.
Lord, use even difficult seasons to transform me. When I am hurt, teach me grace. When I am criticised, teach me humility. When I am disappointed, teach me to trust You.
Thank You for Jesus, who was crushed for our iniquities and gave Himself for our salvation.
Holy Spirit, continue Your work within me. May the character of Christ become increasingly visible in my words, actions, and attitudes.
And when life presses me, may what comes out of my life increasingly carry the fragrance of Christ.
Amen.
Hineni