Take Your Clothes Off!
By: Alicia Johnson
Struggling to come into the presence of God after a long and trying day, I pushed myself to try to enter into the Holy Place. Frustration began to engulf me; instead of being lifted to a high place, I felt myself sinking into a hole. The more I struggled to pull myself out, the deeper I was pulled into the abyss. Thoughts from the day bombarded my soul, screaming accusations of my unworthiness. Everything I had done or said wrong during the day overpowered the worship songs playing in the background. I’m not sure how I got to this place, but I was here nonetheless.
At the point of pure desperation, I raised my hands and said, without realizing it, “God, I need you!” It was what the Father was waiting for—me to come to a desperate place and cry out to Him in my weak and feeble state. He whispered in my ear, “Take your clothes off. Come to the basin in the outer court and bathe. Wash off all that has defiled you today. You can’t come into my presence because you have not prepared yourself for your King. Now, come to the basin and take your clothes off, my bride. Wash your head, cleansing your thoughts from vain imaginations. Wash your face, your eyes, your ears, your mouth from all the vile things you have seen, heard, and said today. Wash your arms from all the unholy things you have embraced. Wash your torso from the things you have allowed to enter into your heart. Wash your legs and your feet from those forbidden places you walked today. Now that you are clean and naked, I can lead you into my Most Holy Place, my most intimate place. I will clothe you with my Glory, with my peace, with my love. I can now adorn you with my oil of gladness, and you can sip from my wine of healing. Now, that you have taken your clothes off!”
As I did everything the Lover of my soul instructed me to do, I was instantly taken to the High Place, and it was just Him and me.
Oh, the pleasure that flooded my soul! I will never hesitate again to “Take my clothes off.” My King is waiting for me, and I will not keep Him waiting.
Reflection:
In our daily lives, we often carry the burdens, mistakes, and negative influences that hinder us from truly entering God’s presence. This powerful metaphor of taking off our clothes and washing in the basin symbolizes the act of repentance and purification. It reminds us that we need to shed our earthly worries and sins to approach God in His Holy Place. By doing so, we allow ourselves to be clothed in His glory and to experience His peace and love fully.
Practical Steps to Incorporate This Metaphor:
- Daily Reflection and Prayer:
- At the end of each day, take a few moments to reflect on your actions, thoughts, and words. Ask God to reveal anything that may have distanced you from Him.
- Pray for forgiveness and cleansing. Use specific language like, “Lord, cleanse my mind from impure thoughts,” or “Wash my heart from any bitterness I have held onto today.”
- Symbolic Actions:
- You can physically wash your hands or face as a symbolic act while praying for cleansing. This can help reinforce the metaphor and make the experience more tangible.
- Light a candle or play soft worship music to create a calming environment that invites God’s presence.
- Scripture Meditation:
- Meditate on scriptures related to purification and renewal, such as Psalm 51:10 (“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me”) or 1 John 1:9 (“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”).
- Let these verses guide your prayers and reflections, reminding you of God’s promise to cleanse and renew you.
- Journaling:
- Keep a spiritual journal where you write down your reflections, prayers, and any insights God gives you during these moments. This can help you track your spiritual growth and stay mindful of areas that need regular cleansing.
- Record instances where you felt God’s presence more strongly after seeking His cleansing, as these testimonies can encourage you during more challenging times.
- Community Support:
- Share this practice with a trusted friend or spiritual mentor who can hold you accountable and pray with you.
- Join a small group or Bible study where you can discuss and practice these principles together, supporting each other in your spiritual journeys.
The Importance of Regular Self-Reflection and Seeking God’s Cleansing:
Regular self-reflection is crucial for maintaining a close and intimate relationship with God. By routinely examining our hearts and seeking His cleansing, we can prevent the buildup of spiritual impurities that hinder our communion with Him. This practice not only helps us stay spiritually healthy but also prepares us to receive His blessings and guidance more fully.
As we make these practices a regular part of our daily routine, we will find ourselves more attuned to God’s presence and more capable of experiencing His peace and joy. Let’s commit to taking our “clothes off” daily, shedding the burdens and sins of the day, and entering into the Holy Place where our King awaits us with open arms.
Longevity 