Put Yourself on 'Soak' !!

Soaking. The slow, deliberate saturation of a thing. The process used to remove stubborn stains in fabric. The process used to prepare the cleaning of a cooking dish when solids are otherwise hard to remove. The process of a substance permeating the surface and saturating matter beneath the surface. The process used to soften and prepare ground for growth. 

The scripture is full of reminders that we are to meditate on the Lord and His Word. In recent years, adding inspired music to times of meditation has been referred to as 'soaking'. Soaking is a tool that helps us allow the Holy Spirit to center our affections on Him…to be pulled away from the pluralism of the world and our culture and be identified with the Oneness of Who He Is.

We are often so saturated {soaked} by the river of words and influence that never stops through television, music, computer interests and the chatter of people. It is no wonder that when we attempt to still ourselves before the Lord that we are challenged regarding quieting our mind and spirit!  It is so refreshing to find an oasis of purity when we slow down our day and even bring it to a STOP…and give Him our undivided attention.

Soaked by the world!

Sometimes we are so pulled, stressed and burdened, we may feel we are unable to give Him our undivided attention. That is where the beauty of soaking helps. During a dedicated time of soaking, play inspirational music and allow your spirit to be still. Letting the music help quiet your mind, your spirit is able to rest and receive the stirrings and watering from the Holy Spirit. 

For me, I think it is especially helpful that the mind has something to follow (the melody). During quiet meditation (without music), I find that it can be a struggle to still my mind. When this is happening, my spirit and my mind are in a tug-of-war! It is practically impossible for me to receive anything from God in times like that! 

Recently, I have enjoyed reading scripture for a while and then settle down to ‘soak’/listen and REST. I remember the scriptures and find that my spirit prays them; asking for those words to bring change in my life that I would be transformed to be more and more in His likeness through the power of His word.

If this all sounds odd to you, I challenge you to try it!

I didn’t even know where to start but had heard of soaking as being a helpful exercise for learning to rest in His Presence and recognize His communications. I opened www.spotify.com and searched for soaking music. I have found that I love the anointed instrumentals of Pablo Perez…so you can search for music by that artist’s name for a starting place. (Also, Kimberly and Alberto Rivera!) There are several styles of soaking music, so pick through selections and see what appeals to you. For instance, some music has lyrics added but that can be distracting to me as I tend to concentrate on the lyrics. Because of that tendency, I usually choose strictly instrumental music. You may like music with lyrics or make your own mix of selections! I am also very careful to choose artists that are NOT new age oriented or of any other influence than the Holy Spirit. 

The movement and substance of the Holy Spirit is often referred to as water, ‘flow’, refreshing, anointing oil, wind, fire, peace, love, joy, mercy… etc. It has been my experience during soaking meditation to sense the moving, speaking and filling of the Holy Spirit in the stillness of my spirit. The depth of God fills the depth of YOU.

Psalm 42: 7-8 
Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me. The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; And His song will be with me in the night, A prayer to the God of my life.

Depending on what He wants to do for you in a particular session, you may find that you fall asleep! That does not prevent Him from working but may actually be Him drawing you into a peaceful rest. Pray before you begin that the session will be what He wants it to be. (I like my pillow and my blanket on the couch—or a dimly lit room. Create a space and atmosphere that works for you!) Ask Him to cleanse your heart from anything that displeases Him and yield to His Presence. Some of you give so much that you are more depleted than you think! REST your spirit during this time and let Him fill you with peace and strength.

NOTE: This is a time of refreshing! Remember---SOAK!  Don’t strive in the spirit to intercede, ‘try’ to hear, etc. Learn to be still and be quiet. (That said, I have had Him lead me through some intercession and laying others at His feet; but let the agenda be HIS. Go into the time with the resolve to FOLLOW.)

I hope you will practice the presence of the Lord with this exercise and find the benefit of finding a fresh focus on Him and as well as being assured of His love, direction and purpose for your life.

Psalm 46: 10 “Be still and know that I am God.”

Psalm 119: 48
“I reach out for your commands, which I love,
                                that I may meditate on your decrees.”

  Go    ahead!    Play   in    the    Rain!

 

Psalms 131:2 – “But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.”

Psalms 4:4 – “In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah.”

Psalms 37:7a – “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him …” 

Matthew 11:28-30 -” Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Love,

Marcie Elliott-Smith