SOAKING

What is this?

Well it is something that has been helping me get thru the waiting. Our new church introduced me to it. It isn't a new concept and you probably know it by a different name, but our church goes one step more than most; they give you a place to do it.

Is your curiosity peaked?
Good.

Here goes.....

Soaking is quieting our soul and lingering in the manifest presence of Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Expectantly waiting on the Lord to receive from Him as we focus on Him. This is also referred to in the Bible as waiting on the Lord, drawing near to God, approaching God's throne of grace, standing on Holy ground, communing with God, fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit, abiding in Christ, dining with Christ, and Jesus being in our midst.

How do we soak in God's presence?

By focusing on the Lord. There is no right or wrong way to do it. You can read the Bible, listen to worship music, and open your mind and spirit to receiving from the Lord.

What can happen while soaking in God's presence?

Well, we can receive thru the power of the Holy Spirit a revelation of truth by thought, word, picture or vision. This is referred to in the Bible as being guided into truth, or being led by the Holy Spirit. We can experience the fruit of the spirit (love, joy, peace), we can be comforted.

Why would you soak? And how do you know if you need to?

Well, do you feel spiritually dry? Soaking can revitalize your spirit.It can help you clear away the clutter of your mind and bring you to a state of hearing God. If you are searching for answers to a problem/situation, soaking can help you find your way. It can lift your burdens. It is a way of taking you deeper into your relationship with the Lord.

My view and thoughts on it:

I wasn't sure at first what is was. Then I was given a paper that explained the concept to me. I read it thru, and still wasn't sure. But my spirit knew and craved this simple act of worship. I was having a rough day. I had called in to work sick with a horrible migraine. And I just felt like I was suppose to go to church and soak. So I went. I entered my new sanctuary. The lights were dimmed, there was soft soothing instrumental music playing, and down front on either side of the platform were two areas of water fixtures quietly and faithfully running water. ( I love the sound of running water)
In the center was a small table with communion set out for anyone who felt the need to partake.
I looked around feeling a little self conscious. I took my shoes off for I felt I was on Holy ground. I knelt to pray on the steps. Then I went to soak. I laid down on my back and quieted my spirit and mind.

As most of you know quieting my mind is an Olympic experience! Seriously! I am a "what if" person and my mind is ALWAYS running. But I was determined to give this a sincere try.
My thoughts ran all over the place. Then I remembered the paper said to ask Jesus to help. It takes most people approximately 10 minutes to clear their mind. Whoever came up with this statistic has never met someone like me. LOL

I didn't have any kind of huge ground shaking experience that first time. I laid there and prayed and just quieted my spirit. I did see myself on the church steps with Jesus and just being held in the circle of his love. It was so so so comforting and peaceful. I left with that sense of peace.

Another time I went and there was someone in the sanctuary getting ready for Sunday's service. I remember feeling jipped. Like someone was interfering with my time. I sat on the front pew and read the Bible a bit and then prayed and complained to God about the intrusion. Silly me. But at one point when I was confessing that I was having a hard time concentrating and asked for help ...well some of you may think I'm a bit crazy on this one...but I felt a presence beside me. All the hairs on my head stood on end. It was weird. I didn't actually soak (laying down) but the prayer did me good. Just to focus.

The last time I went , this past Tuesday, I got to read, pray, and soak. I can not begin to explain how restored I feel when I am done. I'm usually only at church around 30-40 minutes. But I leave a changed person.

It has helped me so much to quiet the activity of my brain. I have seen a change in the amount of worrying. Where before I worried and "what if'd" myself to death, I now am more focused on seeking God and giving him that burden. I am a calmer mother and wife. I listen to others better and have a confidence about me that I have never had before.

Most churches do not provide a place like this. And I believe it doesn't have to be at a church. But for me it does. I need a place to go to where I won't be distracted by the outside world.

It works for me. Won't you give it a try? Make sure it is a place where you can't be interrupted by children, phones, or messy houses.

May God bless you with His full measure of grace, peace , and love!
Hugs, Kristina