“Be still and know that I am God.”
Today is a bit of a follow on from yesterday. That’s not a dramatic surprise or some sort of profound discovery. I just mean that there appears to be a strong link from yesterday’s post. Looking at things with our senses outwardly and how that rebounds through Jesus back to us. Today looking at things from the inside closely. Yesterday’s post started with the pouring rain, well today is similar if only by name as we take a quick look at soaking.
Its Friday, which when I was at Creative Word meant ‘Soaking morning.’ This was obviously a new experience for me only a couple of years ago, and to be frank, when I turned up that first Friday morning I was probably a little more than sceptical. I eyed the thin sponge mats scattered about the main floor like some surprise yoga class had suddenly ambushed the Church. It looked like they were holding the tutors secretly hostage!
Not to worry. My initial fears were soon alleviated as two prophetesses, Kath Ibbotson and Barbara Steele, briefly explained what soaking is and what is required from us. We were required to do nothing! We were to lie down on these mats, listen to the background worship, and focus on the things of God. “Be still and know that I am God.”
Sounded easy, only I am not really one for doing nothing. Much more Martha than Mary, however, with a million things rolling around my tiny mind, I said a quick prayer to the Lord, removed my bag and coat, and laid down.
I don’t recall how long it took but it seemed instantaneous. I was not just relaxed but felt like I was a big slab of baker’s dough that had been dropped onto a flat surface from a great height. SPLAT! I felt immovable as though I was being pinned down by some extra gravitational force. I had no desire to resist or move because it was so comforting.
As my mind turned from the outward distractions of the world, dismissing them as mere nothings and turned to the inward workings of the heart and the things of God. Focusing and sensing His Love, you lose any sense of what the world holds dear, the things of men as you become lost in Him, for He is Worthy. The ladies visit each one of us softly, and seek the Lord’s guidance for us. Giving words of wisdom and prophecy as the Holy Spirit guides them.
Intimacy with the Lord Jesus could be described as ‘INTO. ME. I. SEE’
We need to make time for the Lord to minister into our lives. We need to have the inward working of the Holy Spirit guiding us. We need the Fresh Oil of the Holy Spirit to repair and replenish us. We need to rest in His Love! We can be as busy as bees but miss the honey, the nectar, we need to give to the Lord our time. We don’t need to give our effort if we don’t genuinely give our time because He wants our attention, to give us His love.
King David wrote in Psalm 37:7 “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;”
And in the Epistle of JAMES we read in 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
Unfortunately, the college is not available at present. I thank the Lord for it and the ladies for their time and experience. The opportunity to guide us into Soaking in His Presence. Something that is invaluable and that we can take with us and use in our daily walk.
God Bless
p.s. If you are reading the Bible along with us on our 66 day reading plan, well done. Today you will have reached the end of the books of Samuel and we recommence with 1 Kings on Sunday 3rd December. 17 days completed, 49 days to go. x
p.p.s. Creative Word and the soaking sessions were held at; Open Door Church, Falinge Park Road, Rochdale. I don’t know whether they have them anymore but I am assured they would be happy to help in all spiritual matters.