I often describe the practice of slowly and contemplatively reading Scripture as Soaking in Scripture. This way of engaging God’s Word invokes the imagination and reflection while encountering God in an unhurried manner. Soaking in Scripture makes space to immerse oneself in the inspired Word of God to receive His tender attention. While intentional Bible study may inform this approach to Scripture, formation by God and with God remain the intent of this focus. I liken Soaking in Scripture to submerging oneself in a hot tub, surrounded by the hot water, or turning one’s face towards the heat and light of the sunshine, allowing it to absorb into one’s skin (like a sponge).
While being at Black Rock Retreat this past week, God enlarged my understanding of Soaking in Scripture.
I spent two days weeding, raking, moving rocks, and pruning trees to recreate a labyrinth space on the grounds. Although I have given attention to this space during past visits, this year, it required significant attention. I labored in the hot humid conditions and found myself soaked in sweat from the physical exertion. Sweat dripped from my face onto the ground. My hair stuck to my neck and face. My clothes no longer remained dry. I became soaked as I worked to develop this prayerful and meaningful labyrinth space (Deuteronomy 5:32-33).
On another occasion, the rain fell throughout the morning, but the sky cleared and the sun began to peek out behind the clouds in the afternoon. To me, this seemed like a perfect opportunity for a walk. During my time at Black Rock, wordlessly walking the property fills my soul. I let my steps and movement be prayer with God, allowing the Holy Spirit to intercede for me with sighs and groans (Romans 8:26-27).
On this particular afternoon, as I reached the far end of the 100 acre property, I noticed a low rumble above me. Clouds filled the sky. I continued this prayer walk with God while growing in awareness of a light rustling above me within the trees. Shortly thereafter, the light rustle grew louder and sprinkles of water fell from the trees. The sprinkles grew bigger and bigger and I found myself in the midst of a downpour.
The rain fell hard and trees were my only shelter. Although I sought refuge at the base of a few trees, protection from the pouring rain did not exist. After a futile time of waiting out the storm, I continued my prayer walk in the rain. By the time I returned to the hub of the camp where buildings offered covering, every part of me had absorbed the rain. I was soaked. My hair dripped into my eyes, my t-shirt clung to my body and my feet squished in the moisture stuck in my shoes. I became drenched in rain and saturated by the water.
Soaked – Saturated. Drenched, resulting in overflow.
Being soaked on these two occasions reminded me of Soaking in Scripture. I wondered how these experiences might enlarge my approach and understanding to being in God’s Word. Whether soaked by the rain or from hard work, being soaked meant that I dripped water. I pondered, in what ways do I “drip” after being with God? How do I overflow from times of Soaking in Scripture?
Do you drip after spending time with the Lord? Why or why not? How do you Soak in Scripture? Describe the impact on yourself and others that flows from times of Soaking in Scripture?
For me, after Soaking in Scripture, dripping reflects Christ-like character, attitudes, and behavior (Romans 12:2, Psalm 119, 2 Corinthians 3:18). If I remain the same after “soaking” with God, I examine that with the Holy Spirit? How does Soaking in Scripture bring about change? Or, does it? In what ways does soaking with God form me in the ways of God?
Asking these questions causes me to reflect upon my communion and connection with God. Am I absorbing from the Holy Spirit? Am I in a spiritually dry season? Is there overflow or drip from the Holy Spirit? Am I in a spiritually saturated season? What happens to the overflow of my time with God and His Word? What are ways that I drip God’s love, patience, kindness, faithfulness, etc.?
I want to drink in the Lord, and also drip from the Lord. Being at Black Rock helped me experience the dripping of the Holy Spirit that occurs from being soaked in Scripture. I want the likeness of Jesus to fall from me. As I soak with Jesus I want to drip Jesus. What about you?
This week – – –
Reflect. Think about Luke 6:45 -“The good man produces what is good and honorable and moral out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart; and the evil man produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil [in his heart]; for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart” (AMP). Reflect with God on the words, tone, and attitudes flowing from your mouth over the past 24 hrs. What does this reveal to you about your heart? What Scripture might God invite you to soak in to form the overflow of your heart to reflect Jesus?
Request. When you spend time in Scripture, welcome God’s formation of your soul. Invite God to shape you; to drip His character as a result of being with Him. What characteristics of Jesus do you notice the Spirit forming within you and overflowing onto others?
Receive. “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” – 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV). Take in the abundance of God through Scripture. Allow yourself to be soaked by God. Then, let God’s abundance to you, drip onto others.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Ephesians 3:20-21 – Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Psalm 1:1-3 – Blessed is the one…whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Jan Johnson. Meeting God in Scripture: A Hands-On Guide to Lectio Divina. Lisle, IL. 2016.
Graham B. Usher. The Way Under Our Feet: A Spirituality of Walking. London, UK. 2020.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Hillsong Worship. Your Word. Click here to watch and listen.
Michael Bethany. Walk with You. Click here to watch & listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
May 31-June 15 – Black Rock Retreat, Quarryville, PA – Soul care and teaching for the Black Rock Summer Staff.