In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding moments of tranquility and spiritual nourishment can be a challenge. Yet, amidst the chaos, there lies a timeless practice that offers solace and deepens our connection with God – studying The Word. The SOAP method of Bible study is a great and practical tool for diving deep into the wisdom of the Word.
Scripture: The journey begins with scripture – the living, breathing word of God. As Christians, we believe that every word penned in the Bible is divinely inspired. So, as we embark on our study, we choose a passage that speaks to us, one that resonates with our current circumstances or simply tugs at our hearts.
Observation: With our chosen scripture in hand, we embark on the path of observation. This step invites us to delve deeper into the text, to ponder its meaning, and to uncover the truths it holds. We ask questions, we analyze, and we seek to understand the context in which the words were written. Through observation, we glean insights that might otherwise remain hidden, allowing the scripture to come alive in our hearts and minds.
Application: The true power of scripture lies not merely in its comprehension but in its application. As we reflect on the passage before us, we are prompted to consider how its message applies to our lives today. What lessons can we learn? What changes must we make? The SOAP method challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual understanding and to allow the word of God to transform us from within.
Prayer: Finally, we come to prayer – the cornerstone of our relationship with God. In this concluding step, we offer up our thoughts, our reflections, and our desires to the One who hears our every word. We thank Him for the insights gained, we seek His guidance in applying them to our lives, and we ask for the strength to walk in obedience to His will.
In essence, the SOAP method is more than just a study tool – it’s a spiritual discipline, a pathway to deeper intimacy with our Creator. Through scripture, observation, application, and prayer, we embark on a journey of washing in the word, allowing its cleansing waters to purify our hearts and minds.
So, beloved brothers and sisters, as you navigate the ups and downs of life, remember the power of the SOAP method. Take time each day to immerse yourself in the scriptures, to reflect on their meaning, to apply their truths, and to commune with the One who authored them. In doing so, may you find renewal, strength, and unwavering faith in the God who loves you beyond measure.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Also known as Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH).
Also referred to as “Liquid Brain Tumor Syndrome”.
No, it isn’t cancer. No, there is not a tumor. No, they don’t know what causes it (thus the “Idiopathic” part). Yes, I am doing okay. God is faithful. Read more, below!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.Read my full disclosure here.
Well hello, 2024. I have been pretty absent from my blog for the last several months. Sorry about that. Sometimes, life becomes all-consuming and something has to hit the back burner. This space had to take the hit for me for a bit. But I am back and hoping to be more consistent moving forward!
I started out this new year claiming victory since 2023 was such a nightmare. For those of you don’t know, we went on vacation to Florida in February 2023 and I tripped at our resort, (nearly falling over a third-story balcony railing) breaking my left ankle, my right foot, and tearing several tendons and ligaments in both feet/ankles, my right hand, and right shoulder. I spent most of 2023 in a wheelchair recovering from surgeries and wearing a walking boot. When I wasn’t in the chair, I was using a *super cute* mobility knee scooter. But don’t worry, I did not let it get me down! *Eye twitches*
I just knew that 2023 was going to be left in the past and 2024 would be a year of new beginnings! That has been true, so far… Just not the type of “new beginnings” I was expecting.
Back in May 2023, I started having issues with extreme redness my right eye. It didn’t hurt or itch, I wouldn’t even know it was red until others would approached me with concern saying things like “Oh my gosh! Are you okay?” Here is a picture:
At first, I assumed it was allergy related. Since moving to Chatt in 2019 (the seasonal allergen capital of the world thanks to the mountains surrounding the “dust bowl” that is Chattanooga), my allergies have been other worldly. I am talking watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, and ear infections all. the. time! I made sure to take my zyrtec regularly, and even talked to my primary doctor about any additional allergy meds I could take (she added montelukast) and I figured the problem would resolve on its own. When it didn’t, I decided to see my ophthalmologist to rule out something like a corneal ulcer or something. All of those tests came back normal, so my eye doctor assumed I was having an allergic reaction to my contact solution. We switched solutions, my eyes seemed to clear up, and we thought we had found the problem! Until it came back.
Not only did the redness in my eyes come back, I also had some really strange allergic reactions to a few different things that I had never been allergic to previously: (1) gel nail polish- my nails were literally lifting away from the nail beds and bleeding and blistering. It was wild and so painful, (2) meloxicam- a strong ibuprofen prescribed by my surgeon after ankle surgery- it caused horrific cramping. I was walking out to my car and was doubled over in pain. It felt like my internal organs were trying to fall out of my body. It only lasted a few minutes, but it was terrifying, and (3) I started having acne appear on my face, worse than when I was fourteen. Picture of my acne and rosacea covered skin:
My migraines started to increase in frequency, too. I have struggled with migraines since early high school. They are horrible. When one comes on, I have a very small window of time to load up on ibuprofen, grab some peppermint essential oil, a fan, my headache hat (just like this one that is only $9 right now!), and lay completely flat in a dark room until it eases up enough that I can somewhat function. Sometimes I would even use a massage gun on my head because the vibration would help to numb out the pain. Nausea and vomiting, lack of appetite, lots of misery-induced tears, and prayer after pray of me pleading with God to please intervene and ease the pain. Talk about debilitating.
The fact that these headaches were becoming more frequent was a major problem. Not only did I not want to live with the constant pain, I also knew I couldn’t do my job well, I couldn’t do my grad school work well, and I couldn’t be the wife my husband needed me to be if I couldn’t function. I noticed that my vision, specifically in my right eye, was changing a lot. So I went back to the eye doctor assuming it was just time for my new prescription. My prescription had changed slightly, but the strangest part was that all of a sudden, my right eye was now nearsighted while my left eye was farsighted. Those glasses took some getting used to!
In addition to my bizarre prescription change, my eye doctor also ended up noticing I had a lot of dryness in my eyes and was concerned about the increase in my headaches, so she ordered some blood work, including an autoimmune panel to test for Sjogren’s Syndrome, Lupus, and anything else that could be flagged in an antibody test. Everything came back normal. I had two major ankle surgeries (one in May, one in September) in the middle of all of this, so my eye stuff had to take a back burner for a bit.
At this point, it was probably October. My new prescription glasses had come in and I had been wearing them for a couple of weeks. I had a follow up appointment to ensure my new prescription was working okay and to make sure my redness was under control. At that appointment, she had me cover each eye while wearing my glasses and read the tiny letters across the room. My right eye failed the test again. We did some more adjustments on my prescription and found that I needed a stronger power in that right eye now. The same process happened three more times over the next several weeks- I would go home and use the new prescription for a couple of weeks, go back for a follow up check, and the right eye would be worse. At the third appointment, my eye doctor noticed my optic nerves looked pretty enlarged and decided to send me for further testing; a visual field study (test peripheral vision) and an OCT laser scan (that looks deep at the optic nerve). When she called that other doctor’s office to setup my appointment, she had requested those scans be done urgently, so I started to get a little bit nervous, but I told myself it was going to be nothing and that everything would be fine.
About four days later, (we are nearing the end of November or so at this point). I went in for those scans. The techs that performed the tests were not allowed to give me any results and said my doctor would call as soon as she had them. The unfortunate part was that the results could only be sent snail mail after a doctor had read them and made a report of findings. This process took about eight days. Eight of the longest days of my life. I was sure once we got those answers, though, everything would make sense.
My doctor finally called with results about a week after Thanksgiving. I got the call when sitting outside of my counselor’s office right before my session. This was Divine intervention, as The Lord knew I would need a safe space to process all that I was feeling after getting the call. When I answered, my doctor said “Hey Molly, I got your results back from your tests. The visual field study looks great- no issues there. The OCT, however, shows some sort of tumor or mass on your optic nerve. The next step would be to get you into a neuro-ophthalmologist, but there aren’t any in Chattanooga. The second best option would be to see a neurologist, but there are none who are accepting new patients in Chattanooga currently, and even if they were, it can take 6 months or so to get in to see someone and we needed something that could help us figure out what we were dealing with more quickly. I am going to call a retina specialist and see if they have the ability to do a B-scan which can give us a clearer picture of what we are dealing with.”
I said “Okay. Thank you.” Immediately, I got out of the car and walked into my counselor’s office. As soon as my counselor said “Hey, how are you?” I started sobbing. We are talking ugly crying at this point. I was so scared. All these thoughts started racing through my mind, “How was I going to tell my husband? My kids? My siblings, nieces, nephews, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles? A tumor? Was it cancer? was it brain cancer? Was it benign? Was it malignant? Would I live even another six weeks? Would I become a burden on everyone around me now? Why would The Lord call me to go to graduate school if He was going to walk me through this?”
Once I was able to verbalize all of my fears, Sarah (my counselor) reminded me that God is not a God of fear or panic. He wouldn’t call me to something to abandon me, and He wouldn’t allow me to face a thing that He didn’t have an ordained purpose for. I knew she was right. We concluded our session with prayer. She prayed over me prayers of health, healing, deliverance, and peace. Once I got in my car, I sat there for a moment. I spent my drive home talking with God, saying “Okay, God. I am willing to do whatever you want. Give me courage and strength. Give me peace. Above all, help this whole situation point back to Your glory in a way that shows everyone around me, especially those who don’t know You, that You are the God who works miracles together.” I didn’t stop feeling afraid, but I did have peace.
Getting into the retina specialist took longer than I would have hoped due to the holidays. We sat waiting in the unknown for about fifteen days, then I was finally able to be seen on January 4th, 2024. The B-scan (like an ultrasound of the eyes) was performed and the doctor was able to tell us that the mass seen in the OCT scan was not actually a tumor! Instead, it was a sort of sack of excess cerebrospinal fluid pressing up against the optic nerve. This seemed like great news! I said, “Great! So I don’t have a brain tumor?” The doctor said “… Well, I can’t guarantee that. But I am going to refer you to another doctor who has more experience with conditions like yours, dealing with increased pressure in the brain. He is a neuro-ophthalmologist. His office will call you within a week to set up an appointment.”
Great. More waiting. Another referral. Still no official answers, and no means of treating any of my debilitating symptoms.
It took two weeks for the new doctor’s office to call me and set up an appointment. It took another week and a half to get in to be seen. By the time we got to the appointment, I was so ready to finally get some answers. This doctor performed several tests. I was in his office for about two hours. By the time he went over all of the test results with me, I was exhausted and my head hurt so bad from all of the poking and prodding. The doctor said “The good news is, I don’t think we are at a place where your sight is in jeopardy…. yet. There is, however, some concern with these optic nerves and the excess fluid causing pressure behind them. I am going to order an MRI of your head, and an MRI of your neck, as well as an MRV (an MRI of the veins where they inject dye to check for thrombosis/aneurisms, etc.). I also want to order a lumbar puncture/spinal tap. We need to rule out any tumors or anything going on in the brain to be certain, but I think we are dealing here with a condition called Pseudotumor Cerebri (also known as Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and Liquid Brain Tumor Syndrome)
Leaving this appointment felt both frustrating and also relieving. I wanted answers desperately, but at least this way I knew what we were going to be looking for.
My MRI scans and MRV came back clear and unremarkable (HUGE PRAISE & SIGH OF RELIEF).
My lumbar puncture/spinal tap was another story. The whole lumbar puncture process was painful and honestly, super traumatic, but it is done, and we got answers! My opening pressure was so high (35), spinal fluid actually shot out onto the floor! Knowing the doc had said I needed 25 or above for a diagnosis, I knew immediately that I finally had my answer. The next day, my doctor called to confirm and sent in a prescription for me. A “baby dose”, he called it, of Diamox- a diuretic.
I had joined several virtual support groups and done tons of research about Pseudotumor Cerebri leading up to my spinal tap, so I had heard all about Diamox. The majority of stories I had heard about Diamox were that it was intolerable and horrific. Many people actually said they would rather just live with the pressure migraines caused by the condition instead of dealing with the side effects of the drug. The side effects ranged from severe dehydration to kidney stones to hospitalization. I had also read that because it is a diuretic, it also keeps you from sweating meaning that sun exposure becomes increasingly dangerous and toxins have no way to escape the body. I had no peace about taking this. I even told my doctor that. He said “Yes, it is true that many people cannot tolerate the drug, that is why I want to start you on a baby dose and see how it goes.” I still didn’t feel right about it. I chose to not pickup the prescription at the pharmacy.
Apparently, when Diamox is not well tolerated, the next option is Topomax. Topomax is an epileptic drug that many people also do not tolerate well. Several comments I read regarding this drug were saying things like “Sure, you won’t have headaches anymore, but you will also wake up wondering what day it is or what your name is.” I knew that wasn’t an option for me either. At this point I started to panic, because the only other option would be brain surgery to have a shunt or stint put in. The people in the support group who have had this surgery reported that it was great for about three years, but then their tubing became infected or got wrapped around internal organs or they ended up with issues that landed them in the ICU!
Statistically, the mortality rate for this condition is also like 56 years of age, with the suicide rate among women who suffer from this condition being higher than normal due to the debilitating pain and suffering it causes. All of this information, the statistics, the personal testimonies- they all had me in a panic. Then I remembered “God has not given me a spirit of fear!”
I knew that I needed to pause and pray. So my husband grabbed my hands and prayed for us. We prayed for answers and just waited on The Lord to give us some direction. As we sat in our bedroom talking, the thought occurred to me- “There’s a kink in the hose.” I immediately pictured my spinal cord with a kink in it, blocking the flow of spinal fluid. I asked my husband “What if this is the key? What if the flow of fluid is really just disrupted or blocked somehow?”
Coincidentally, (or not so coincidentally, because God is GOOD), I had already set up new patient appointments with 100% Chiropractic a few weeks prior because of their new patient special- only $21 for x-rays, first adjustment, and a massage! I knew Jake and I could benefit from the massage alone and at that price, I couldn’t pass it up. So we decided that we would ask the chiropractor for some supplement recommendations and see if maybe some spinal adjustments could help. More on that later!
The night before our first appointments, a family friend reached out via Facebook Messenger (thank you, Kaye!) and shared that at the beginning of the year, she had posted a Facebook post asking people to share their favorite passages of scripture. She would be writing those passages in a calendar and would be praying those verses and for the people who recommended them. It just so happens that Sunday started the week where she had written my name and verse down! The verse I had shared with her weeks prior was Proverbs 4:20-23 (CSB), which reads:
My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to my sayings. 21 Don’t lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to one’s whole body. 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.
When I read verse 22, I could feel the Presence of the Holy Spirit so tangibly. I felt so much inexplainable peace and knew that He had a plan to heal me. I told Kaye that I was so thankful for her reaching out, that God’s timing was perfect, I needed to read those verses that night. I shard what had been going on with me. She asked how she could pray for/with us, and I knew exactly what to ask. I asked her to please pray for the following: 1. That we would find a chiropractor who can help us far beyond what we could ask, think, or imagine.
2. That we would find the right neurologist to work with.
3. That we would be able to design a treatment plan and protocol that would allow me to continue my work here at the childrens home and also sustain me as I go through graduate school? I’m currently pursuing my masters in counseling with a plan to get my doctorate in counselor education and supervision after that.
4. And finally, will you pray for the pain in my body? I have debilitating migraines constantly because the condition causes an excess of spinal fluid to build up in my brain and causes swelling. This can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated. In the meantime, my eye sight fluctuates greatly and can be quite straining at times, inducing other headaches. Thank you thank you thank you. We need all the prayers we can get this week!
She agreed to pray with us, and I went to bed that night feeling hopeful. The next morning, we woke up for our 8am appointments at 100% Chiropractic.
My first impression of the office was that it was beautiful and peaceful, very aesthetically pleasing (which for your girl, is a very welcome experience). Definitely passed the “vibe check” as the kids say these days… There was fun music playing, the atmosphere was lighthearted, and every single person was genuinely kind. One of the receptionists, Gabriella (I think she may actually be the office manager), gave us a tour of the office and took us into a private room to chat about our medical history get us setup for the doctor to come and take x-rays. When she asked us what our goals for care were, we answered with the basics- less back pain, more agility and energy, fertility, overall health and wellness, etc. I then shared all that we had been walking through with my new diagnosis and said that above anything else, handling that was my priority. She looked at me with so much genuine compassion in her eyes and said “I am so glad you’re here- I genuinely think we can help you. You’ve come to the right place.” I had so much Holy-Spirit peace when she said that.
Shortly after that moment, Dr. Bryan came in and took us across the hall for x-rays. In the short twenty seconds (or less) that it took to walk across the hall, he flipped through my chart and said “Ah, yes- I think I know what’s going on with you.” He then positioned me in front of the x-ray machine. Jake (my husband) stood in the back with him. I could see Dr. Bryan nodding and pointing out something to Jake and Jake nodding in response. Then, Dr. Bryan grabbed the spine model and said to me “So, this bone is supposed to be like this [pointing to the C1, Atlas bone, right at the top of the spine, referencing the normal positioning of the bone] but yours is like this…” He then pinched the bone in such a way that it literally causing something like “a kink in the hose” of my spinal cord! I couldn’t believe it. I literally started crying out of relief and said “You have no idea- you just told me more in about two minutes time than four other doctors/specialists have been able to tell me in nine months.” He asked if he could give me a hug and encouraged both Jake and I saying “if you guys are serious about this, I really think we can help you.” Here is a visual. The left is a textbook “near perfect” cervical spine. On the right, is mine. The C1/Atlas bone that is circled should have a nice space above it, just like the other bones. The atlas bone should also lay parallel to the skull. Mine is almost inverted.
That was Monday, 2/27. By Friday, 3/1 I had three chiropractic adjustments and went three days without having a migraine. I had a *slight* (so slight it was totally bearable without any meds or oils) headache on Friday morning (it was also raining, which is prime migraine weather) and after my adjustment, it was gone. Completely. I am in awe of the relief I have already experienced and I am so thankful that The Lord saw fit to bring us to this place that believes in supporting our bodies, giving them tools to heal themselves. Just as God created them to do!
Over the next several months, I will be getting frequent adjustments, making some major dietary modifications, and working to get in more movement each day. I will continue to update the blog with posts about how I am doing.
I want to point out that I am not a doctor, I am not a medical professional in any way, and I am not saying that people with this condition do not need to take medications. I made that choice at my own risk.
I simply wanted to get my story out and honor what God has done in my life recently. He has been gracious and kind and I know He will continue to heal me, especially as I seek to honor my body.
Thanks for taking the time to read all of this. If you made it all the way through, you either really love me or were in need of some hope yourself. Whatever the reason, I am thankful you’re here. I hope you stay awhile and maybe even find some more encouragement. (Maybe check out this post here, or this one here!)
If you are someone who is also suffering with Pseudotumor Cerebri/IIH, feel free to email me with any questions you have regarding my experience: [email protected]
Brunching like a boss? Yes, please! There’s nothing quite like waking up late on a Saturday, throwing on your comfiest clothes, and whipping up a delicious spread of yummy favorites. If you really want to take your brunch game to the next level, let’s discuss the ins and outs of hosting the ultimate brunch (like the true boss that you are!)
Make Your Menu
First things first, let’s talk about the menu. Brunch is all about balance, so make sure to include both sweet and savory options. Think pancakes and bacon, eggs benedict, fruit salad, and maybe even a breakfast quiche if you’re feeling fancy. And of course, don’t forget the fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee!
This savory goodness called Bacon & Cheese Quiche (I make my own gluten-free crust, but you could also use a tube of biscuit dough and lay in the bottom of the pan and pour the egg mixture on top! It is so flavorful and yummy. Add some spinach to get in an easy green, too!)
Biscuits and gravy, waffles, and toast with jam are some other favorites around our table!
Set Your Table
Next up, let’s talk decor. You don’t need to break the bank to create a beautiful brunch spread. Simple touches like fresh flowers, colorful napkins, and a well-arranged charcuterie board can go a long way in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Try placing some cut wildflowers in a small vase and placing it at the center of the table. Place on top of a cute cutting board or serving tray along with toppings and seasonings in matching bowls.
I often use things like:
Salt & pepper shakers
A butter dish with spreader
Jam in a remekin with a spoon or knife
Shredded cheese
Crumbled bacon
Extra Icing
Chocolate Chips
Salad dressing
Coffee Creamer
Make sure every place setting has a plate, fork, knife, spoon, cup, napkin, and mug!
Ace Your Aesthetic
The key to acing your aesthetic is keeping it simple. For me, I like the neutral look. Bright whites, warm and rich earthy tones, and when it comes to “pops of color” I like to use natural elements like the bright redness of a strawberry, the beautiful yellow of a lemon, or the vibrant hues of wildflowers or greenery, like eucalyptus.
I find it most simple to use all white dishes. Serving dishes, dinner plates, ramekins, etc- I use all white. They are easy to come by in thrift stores, too, making for a totally affordable aesthetic for hosting brunch!
Don’t just think dinner plates and serving bowls. Those little ramekin dishes, trays, and trivets are wonderful for adding different heights and sizes to your table, while keeping everything accessible to all guests.
Invite Your Guests
And finally, let’s talk about the guest list. When it comes to brunch, the more the merrier! Invite your closest friends, family, and maybe even a new neighbor or two. Brunch is the perfect opportunity to catch up with loved ones and make new connections over delicious food and drinks.
I have been hosting “Brunch & Bible Study” for our college aged kids every weekend for the last several weeks. Everyone enjoys the fellowship and food. Once we finish eating, we are energized and ready to open the Word together. It has been a fruitful time, literally & figuratively!
Set Your Brunch Apart
One hosting tip for making your brunch stand out above the rest is this: pay thoughtful attention to detail.
Try personalizing name cards for your guests’ place settings or labeling your items with cute labels from the craft store.
Get my free Brunch Blessings printable cards with you here!
Once you have cut the Brunch Blessing cards out (on cardstock preferably), place them with your place setting. For an extra feminine touch, you could tuck the card into your napkin with the silverware, add a small floral element, and tie some twine or cute ribbon around it all and lay it on the center of the plate!
Hosting brunch for a co-ed crowd? Another nice, more gender neutral place setting idea would be to place the utensils and napkin into a coffee mug, like this:
So there you have it, folks. The ultimate guide to brunching like a boss. Just remember, the key to hosting a successful brunch is to keep it fun, relaxed, and filled with good food and good company. Happy brunching!
Communing with God is a vital aspect of our spiritual life. We set aside intentional pockets of time to connect with Him. We steal away to our cultivated sacred spaces where we quiet the voices of our world to press in and listen for Him to speak. Communion with God in the “Secret Place” gives reference to Psalm 91:1.
1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].
The “Secret Place” is a term many use to describe the time we spend alone with God. The relational realm where we can pour out our hearts to Him, listen to His voice, and receive guidance and direction, rebuke & reconciliation.
The Secret Place is not a physical location, but rather a location cultivated in the spiritual realm around us. It is a place of intimacy. A place where we can be vulnerable and transparent with God, leaving nothing hidden or unsaid. Sacred space where we can lay down our burdens and find rest. The place where we can receive deep healing, comfort, and peace.
The Worshipful Act of Intention
Simply put, communion with God in the Secret Place requires time spent intentionally with Him. We live in a busy world, and it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. Prioritizing our relationship with God, however, is essential and should be one of those daily “non-negotiables”.
There is no life in us apart from Him. He is the vine, we are the branches (John 15). Neglecting to spend time in His Presence or in His Word would be like neglecting to eat. We may make it a few hours, a few days, etc., but our physical bodies will pay a price. We will be starving, hangry, irritable, exhausted, etc. But it won’t necessarily cause us to stop living… immediately.
In the same way, just as starvation can eventually lead to physical death, neglecting time in the Secret Place can lead to a sort of spiritual death. When we neglect that set apart time, our faith suffers. Our ability to press on in the hard moments begins to fade. Attitudes suffer, our joy dissipates, and we trap ourselves under the crushing weight of the burdens we allow ourselves to accumulate.
Eventually, we stop relying on Him altogether. We simply forget that we can lay our heavy burdens down and pickup His instead; a yoke that is easy to bear and a burden that is light (Matt. 11:30). All the while, He never stops showing up. He is always ready and willing, so why aren’t we?
Purposeful Priorities
I’ve heard it taught before that, proper priorities look something like: God first, family second, career third. I think there is some definite truth to this hierarchy, though I would tweak it ever so slightly. I would write it as: God first, spouse second, children third, career fourth. I would also add a little asterisk (*) between God first and * spouse second that has a footnote reading “* In some cases, putting yourself before your spouse is more important.”
This is not a license to be selfish and put your needs above theirs. Rather, this is to say that “you cannot pour from an empty cup”. You need to come and fill your soul first (at the well that never runs dry) so that you can have something to pour into your spouse, kids, and career.
Obedience & Watchfulness
Once we become so acutely aware of our need for making time with Him, we must be faithful to show up. Obedience is the first step to hearing His voice. You can read ALL about this concept of obedience as the first step in Priscilla Shirer’s study “Discerning the Voice of God“. Obedience leads to discipline. Discipline leads to consistency.
When we step into that sacred, set-apart space, we can begin to focus on fostering intimacy with God. (Intimacy meaning a relationship where both parties are deeply connected to one another.) It is in this secret place where chains fall off, identity is restored, and revelation is revealed. This proves that the Secret Place, where we commune with God, is a space worth fighting for.
We can be certain that dwelling with Him in the Secret Place will give us direct access to freedom, one hundred percent of the time (2 Corinthians 3:17). Because of that liberating power, the enemy will stop at NOTHING to keep us too busy, too distracted, or too lazy to be consistent. Satan does not want us free. He wants us broken, beaten, tired, and worn down. What more strategic way for the “father of lies” to ensnare us than to convince us that we don’t have time to enter the Secret Place?
Consistant Communion
Communing with God in the Secret Place is not a one-time event, but rather a lifestyle, requiring discipline, intentionality, and honestly, spiritual warfare. As we make a habit of coming into His Presence, we will find that our relationship with Him deepens, and we become more in tune with His voice (John 10:14, 27-28). Subsequently, we may also find we experience more spiritual attack, oppression, and doubt. This is all futile attempts of the devil to thwart our pursuit of the Prince of Peace.
Cultivating Quiet
As we make it a priority in our lives, we will find that our relationship with God becomes richer and more fulfilling. The blessings will become immeasurable and our lives will be flooded with the peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7). So what does it look like to cultivate sacred space and enter the Secret Place? Here are a few ideas:
The Where
First things first: find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed. If that’s impossible, grab some noise-cancelling headphones and a “Do Not Disturb” sign – you’re gonna need ’em. Maybe you want to create your own war room, (just like in the movie War Room!)
Get comfortable. Whether it’s a cozy chair, a soft blanket, or a pile of cushions, make sure you’re relaxed and at ease. I like to light a candle and grab a soft blanket to snuggle up with.
The How
Start with a prayer. Ask God to join you in the “Secret Place” and to reveal His presence to you. I like to pray using the “P.R.A.Y” acronym. P– praise God for who He is, R– repent of sin, A– ask for His provision, to supply all of your needs, and to answer your prayer requests, and Y– Yield to the Lord. Wait on Him, and trust that all of His promises are “Yes & Amen”. Wait in confidence knowing that He answers all prayers. If the answer is yes, have confidence knowing that your request aligns to His will. If it is a “no” or “not yet”, have faith that His timing is perfect and His ways are higher and greater.
Take a deep breath and let go of all your worries and distractions. Imagine them floating away like confetti, leaving you feeling light and free (and if you love confetti as much as I do, joyful!)
Engage in different spiritual disciplines. Read your Bible, sing worship songs, or simply sit in silence and listen for His voice. Whatever works for you! This time doesn’t have to look any certain way. It is a heart to Heart, spirit to Spirit interaction between you and The Lord.
A Holy Longing for Us to Commune with God in the Secret Place
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. God loves your quirks and your sense of humor- He wrote them into your DNA. So go ahead and crack a joke or two – He’s got a great sense of humor! Finally, remember that the “Secret Place” is not an invitation-only space. It’s a 24/7 access point and nothing/no one can ever close the door.
Wholly Healthy
Just as in any relationship, it is important to be emotionally healthy when pursuing deeper intimacy with God. Self-awareness is required. Identifying blind spots and other areas of growth are important so we make healthy associations about what we discover in the Secret Place with the Truth of the Word and who He is/what He is saying.
Read more about this important topic in another one of my posts, here.
Final Thoughts
In closing, I just want to encourage you.
God loves you so much. I hope you can read those words and receive that. He loves you SO much, he thought you were worth dying for. He made the decision to send his Son to the world, to die on the cross for every single sin you and I would ever commit, transcendently. He exists outside of space and time. He IS the beginning and the end. He sees it all outside of our finite, linear perspective.
When we honor Him by communing with God in the Secret place, His heart overflows for us. When we are actively engaging our most secret and rebellious sins, His heart overflows for us. That is unconditional love. It is unfathomable. It is unreal. Yet, it is completely true and accessible.
Here are a few Truth-filled reminders to encourage you as you embark on your journey to the Secret Place:
The Word never returns void, so you can’t go wrong by reading scripture (Isaiah 55:11).
When you believe the Holy Spirit is speaking to you, remember to test the spirits and discern what is truly from God (1 John 4:1-6).
If you are uncertain of something or struggling to understand, always reach out to a trusted mentor, pastor, or spiritually wise friend who can help.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a cup of coffee, a pen, and your Bible, and head into the Secret Place!
Hey friend! Molly here. Just think of me as a Tennessee troubadour with a heart as big as Dolly’s hair. Serenading souls, one note at a time. Crafting, gardening, baking, and spreading the good word about Jesus in between. Proud wife, dog mom, foster mom to several, and forever momma to baby Easton in Heaven. Lover of laughter, healthy boundaries, and songs that make you feel something. Read more about my story here.
