I was given the priceless gift of being able to soak in the Almighty’s presence this past weekend. Truth be told, I can’t even remember the last time I was able to have this opportunity (possibly pre-kids?).
Within minutes of being alone with Him, though, I knew immediately that it had been far too long. I had allowed the thorns of life to choke out my hunger and thirst for Him, and my well had been left feeling dry and depleted.
It was time for me to have an encounter with my Savior, as my soul was ready for some Spring Cleaning.
Now, if I had my way, spring cleaning for my soul would probably have taken the form typically associated with spring cleaning one’s house: pick up/throw out/de-clutter/organize/sanitize. Repeat. Pick up/throw out/de-clutter/organize/sanitize. Repeat.
Automated. Robotic. Mindless.
Thankfully, His ways are not my ways, and His Spring Cleaning does not mirror my own awkward attempts at starting anew.
His Spring Cleaning is eternal and moves far past Spring, and into the moanings and groanings of all creation. Into the deepest recesses of my thoughts, my memories and my DNA. Into the snarled roots and tangles of my lineage: my womb, my mother’s womb, my grandmother’s womb. Mary’s womb, Sarah’s womb, Eve’s womb.
Continuous and timeless. Everlasting and without measure. His Spring Cleaning is life-giving and life-sustaining.
The type of Spring Cleaning that can be found in His presence alone.
If you are searching for strength and joy, seek His presence. (Honor and majesty are [found] in His presence; strength and joy are [found] in His sanctuary. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:27)
If you are searching for rest, seek His presence. (And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” ~ Exodus 33:14)
If you are searching for your purpose, seek His presence. (You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11)
If you are searching for forgiveness, seek His presence. (Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. ~ Acts 3:19)
If you are searching for a miracle, seek His presence. (The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. ~ Psalm 97:5)
If you are searching for a life transformation, seek His presence. (The earth shook; the heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God; Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel. ~ Psalm 68:8)
I took one taste of His presence this past weekend, and I have no idea why I had ever left.
With one taste, I found healing. With one taste, I found restoration. With one taste, I found forgiveness. With one taste, I found love.
All that, with just one taste.
Breathe life into me. Cleanse me. Renew me. Forgive me. Change me, Oh God.
Hot water. Cold water. Rinse. Spin. Dry.
My Spring Cleaning has begun and I don’t want it to end.
FemmeFuel 