The sweetest thing happened in church this morning. The musicians started a worship song by Cody Carnes called Nothing Else. Instead of standing, I felt led to sit and soak in the presence of the Lord as these words poured out:
I’m caught up in Your presence
I just want to sit here at Your feet
I’m caught up in this holy moment
I never want to leave.
Ahhh! It felt good to just sit there and soak, soak, soak! As I did, God showed me a word-picture. I saw a dried-up, pink sponge tipped up against a kitchen sink’s faucet. It looked completely useless. But then I caught a glimpse of that same sponge dipped into water. Those little “pores” were serving their purpose. . .allowing the water to fill them to the fullest extent. Once they soaked up the liquid, that little sponge grew to an impressive size and was completely useable.
I don’t know where you are. Maybe you’re feeling as dried up as that little pink sponge. Maybe you’ve been feeling small and useless. Maybe you’re in your golden years and wondering if there’s anything left for you. You’re trying to figure out why other people are having deep, spiritual encounters and you’re not. The answer (I promise) is to spend time in His presence.
You don’t even have to do anything. Just quiet your heart and let Him know that you’re ready for an encounter. Turn on some quiet worship music…or don’t. Just set yourself apart for a while with your heart set on meeting with Him. (Honestly? I wouldn’t even pray, beyond the words, “Meet me here, Lord.”) Open the pores of your heart and wait in His presence until that river begins to flow. He will meet you there, I promise. And if you keep going back to Him, even when you don’t feel like it. . .if you sit at His feet and soak, soak, soak. . .He will fill you until you’re useable once again.
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.
(Psalm 62:5 ESV)
