One of the most difficult things that I have learned
to do is soak in God’s presence. Why you might ask? Well, I get easily distracted
and during times when I am supposed to be still before the Lord I am going over
my to-do list for the day. Any Type-A people would certainly understand my
dilemma. I enjoy spending time with God and basking in His presence, but
sometimes I just can’t turn off my mind!
It
takes disciple to practice soaking in Jesus Presence. Some days you will not feel like soaking in God’s presence, do
it anyways-it will be worth it!
Soaking in His presence is like a sponge that when it
gets wet it absorbs all the water, just like when we soak in God’s presence we
should be so saturated with God that we are drenched. When our “sponge” becomes
dry it is time for us to soak again in the Lord’s presence. How do you know when your “sponge” is dry?
You lack peace, joy, love, gentleness, meekness, humbleness, and long-suffering
(sounds like the fruit of the Spirit). When we are not abiding with the True
Vine, we are cut off from the life-giving fruit. We need to abide with the Vine
to bear much fruit. The key is not being more active in church or ministry but
abiding and soaking with Jesus. When we are connected to our source of
nourishment than everything will flow as a result. When we decide to do life on
our own strength, we are dooming ourselves to failure.
What
does soaking with God look like?
It
is not about doing but about being. So many times we are
consumed with reading “x” number of pages from our Bible, or praying eloquent
prayers. But what if Jesus’ way is much simpler, and He says, “Sit at my feet.”
I always start with praise music to help me with being
so distracted. I always go to a quiet place and sometimes I light a candle. The key is that there is no formula to
soaking in God’s presence. Jesus just says come and sit with me. Some days
I am quiet before the Lord and sing worship songs in my heart, others times I
am up dancing and singing out loud, and there are times I read several
scriptures and there are days I read only one scripture. Sometimes I pray over
my home and blow the shofar. I even will walk my property and pray over it if
God directs me. My prayer life looks different every day. There are times that
I am continually petitioning the throne of God for my family, and there are
occasions where I do some warfare praying (as I like to call it). I also
journal and sit quietly to listen to God’s voice. Yes, God does speak to His
people. Like I said earlier, being still and quiet has been a challenge for me,
but through disciplining myself in this area I am so much better.
While
you are soaking with God leave your cell phone and all electronic devices out
of the area you will soak with Jesus. These will become a distraction!
There
is not a set time for soaking in God’s presence.
If you are in a hurry in the morning, then try this when you get home at night.
Some days you may soak for 30 minutes and other times 2 hours. Yes, this can be
difficult if you have small children or a demanding career. It is important
that we do not make soaking with God into something legalistic. We all have
extra time, perhaps not watching T.V, or getting on social media will give more
time to be in the Father’s presence. Soak when you can, but ask God to increase
your time so that you can do all that you need to do. I am always amazed when I
take this time to soak I always have more than enough time to get everything
done, even though my flesh says, “No way.” Trust me your flesh will fight this
time. I very rarely think I will have enough time to soak and do all what I
need to do.
Nothing will change your life more than soaking in
God’s presence In God’s presence His joy is poured upon us, as well as peace,
Divine wisdom, strategic plans to defeating the enemy, and healing. Our minds
will be transformed as well as we center our thoughts on Christ not our circumstances.
“You
will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
You
make known to me the path of life; in your presence is fullest of joy; at your
right hand are pleasures fovermore. Psalm 16:11
In
the cover of your presence you hide them from plots of men; you store them in
your shelter from the strife of tongues. Psalm 31:20
What
ways do you soak in God’s presence? What benefits come from soaking in God’s
presence?