Twenty Twenty-Five

It’s Okay to Get Soaked

“What have I gotten myself into?” I ask myself. My friend has gotten me started weight training with her. The first time was okay. The second time I was sore for three days. I groaned every time I went up or down stairs.

I reported this to our trainer, and she suggested that I soak in an Epsom-salts-filled tub after our workout. I figured it was worth a try. I filled the tub and used too much of the salts, but I was pleased with the way it felt. I allowed myself to sit still for a few minutes in each new position, including one with my face down in the water just to get the full effect. Finally, I relaxed and just enjoyed soaking.

I got so sore after the second workout because I’ve been trying to get a book published. I had come home and sat down at the computer and hardly moved the rest of the day. Had I taken a walk or moved more, I wouldn’t have had to suffer so much. So the next time, not only did I soak, I took a walk to keep me from getting so sore.

After I walked first and then soaked for the first time in so long, I realized I had forgotten what a pleasure it can be. Then more began to dawn on me.

I tried to remember how long it had been since I relaxed and soaked in the presence of the Lord. It has been waaaay too long. It’s a different kind of soak but if you let yourself be still and relax, it can bring much more joy than a good tub soak. Just as time in the tub is personal, so is soaking time with the LORD.

Soaking in God’s Presence

It was probably thirty or more years ago I soaked in God’s presence for the first time. It’s different than spending time with Him in daily devotions or Bible reading. It’s a matter of setting aside a block of time with nothing to interrupt you or call you away. It’s a matter of finding a quiet, private place to put on worship music and lie on the floor in a room with only natural light. Then just relax and spend time with the One who knows you better than you know yourself.

That’s the gist of it. There is not a right or wrong way to do it. Some people put on classical music and sit in an easy chair. Some like it quiet. Some take a journal to write down the thoughts He gives them. Some meditate on a scripture verse. Some pray. But all enjoy spending time with their Daddy.

Consider praying scriptures about God’s character such as Psalm 77:12-13 which says, I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds. Your ways, God, are holy. Tell Him you want more of Him and then sit, listen, and enjoy His presence. As you immerse yourself in His presence and love, be aware of His tender presence.

Christian Broadcasting Network’s  How to Do Soaking Prayer, an article by Craig von Buseck suggests the following tips for soaking in God’s presence. https://cbn.com/article/prayer/how-do-soaking-prayer, (2026)

Here are some ways that people have discovered to soak in God’s presence during times of contemplative prayer:

Find a comfortable place;

Watch with expectancy as God moves in your life and in the world around you.

You may want to lie down;

Settle down and open your heart to the Lord;

Relax and just enjoy being still;

Listen to worship music and invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you;

Invite the Holy Spirit to soak you in His presence;

Pray and surrender yourself to the lordship of Jesus Christ — spirit, soul (mind, will, and emotions) and body;

Focus on the Lord’s presence within you;

Rest in faith, believing He is working in you;

Take as much time as you can (try to give yourself at least 20 minutes to relax and receive);

Respond to the direction of the Father;

Get up refreshed and full of the Holy Spirit;

Watch with expectancy as God moves in your life and in the world around you.

So now that I’ve reminded myself of how wonderful this practice is, I’m ready to get soaked. Jump in. The water’s fine.