Refreshing

Last night I was leading worship when a thought struck me.  Immediately my heart recognized that it was more than just a random brainwave… I sensed it was a directional word from the Lord for this season.  


I was about to teach our weekly meeting on the topic of the Laver.  This was a bronze structure in the Old Testament Tabernacle of Moses that carries special meaning in worship for both then and now.  It offered a place of transition for the Levite priests: each day they carried out ceremonies in the Outer Court, ministering to the needs of people and helping with practical service.  When they were ready to transition to the Inner Court of deeper worship, they crossed the courtyard to the Laver.  This was a large wash basin of bronze that had been polished until they could see their reflection in the mirrored image. They washed their hands and feet, changed into white linen garments, and then stepped into the Holy Place where their focus was turned completely toward God and worshiping him.


I sensed that the Lord was signifying that we are in “transitional times,” and just as the priests cleansed themselves and prepared for the next steps, God is calling us into times of personal cleansing as well. For a people who desire to move forward in his plan with their eyes wholly on him, it’s a good time for a “Laver” moment: a time of pulling away with the Holy Spirit, self-examination, healing, and cleansing that prepares us for the new season ahead.

This picture is called Laver.  Created to capture the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit, it represents the metaphor of the Old Testament Laver: a holy mirror that washes and prepares us for the next season. 

God desires us to be free, without carrying around a lot of stress and baggage from one season to the next!  One way we embrace a Laver place is by setting time aside to meet with him, playing soft worship music, bringing a journal and pen, and asking the Holy Spirit to bring to mind anything that we need to be cleansed of.  I suggest writing a list of things that might include: 

-People we need to forgive. 
-People we need to ask forgiveness from. 
-Traumatic situations that we don't care to repeat. 
-Toxic moments or relationships.
-Even good times that can involve stress or frustration.

Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,
And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Psalm 51:6, 7

As you write these things down, ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind anything that he wants to address.  Then ask him to wash you with his forgiveness, love, and healing as you let things go, and to give you his proper perspective.  Choose to forgive... receive forgiveness... and pray over situations that are out of your control.  This Laver moment not only creates an opportunity for God to move in your life, but also prepares you to feel lighter and carry a fresh perspective for the next season! 

Prayer: Lord, please refresh me by your Spirit, cleansing anything I need to let go of, and choosing to embrace your healing and forgiveness.   I look forward to following you into the next season with freedom and wholeness!