Entry 018: That Fresh Word

Our family loves going to the lake together. We often go to a beautiful lake in Austin, TX called Lake Travis. With its vast expanse of water bordered by towering cliffs and trees, it's truly a sight to behold. I have fond memories of visiting this lake since I was an infant, and now we continue the tradition with our own children.

Personally, I am quite partial to Lake Travis because it is a fresh body of water; however, I am not keen on swamp or ponds since some lakes can be stagnant and uninviting due to the lack of water flow or outflow. These bodies of water appear mirky and dirty because they are stagnant.

I did a little research and learned that stagnant bodies of water, such as ponds, lakes, and swamps, are characterized by a lack of movement or flow. The water in these bodies tends to be relatively still and can accumulate debris, pollutants, and other materials over time. Stagnant water bodies also tend to have lower levels of dissolved oxygen, which can limit the types of organisms that can live in them.

On the other hand, moving bodies of water, such as rivers and streams, are characterized by a constant flow of water. The flow can be slow or fast, but it is always moving. Moving bodies of water tend to be cleaner than stagnant water bodies, as the flow of water helps to flush out debris and pollutants. Moving bodies of water also tend to have higher levels of dissolved oxygen, which can support a wider variety of plant and animal life.

Lately, I've been reflecting on my walk with God and how He has been speaking to me about the importance of seeking fresh and new revelations from His word. Even though I have been exposed to the Bible since birth, I recognize that without actively pursuing a fresh perspective, it can easily become stagnant in our lives. We can recite the same scriptures repeatedly without experiencing any new revelation or conviction. It's crucial for us to continuously seek freshness in our understanding of His word to keep our spirit thriving.

Isaiah 43:18-19 of the Bible emphasizes the importance of leaving behind stagnant experiences and focusing on the fresh word of God. It states, "Do not dwell on the past; forget the former things. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." The scripture highlights the fact that God intends for our lives to be dynamic and active, just like a moving stream or river.

Don't think that just because you know God well that there isn't more to learn about Him. As Ephesians 1:17-18 says, "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know him better." This shows us that no matter how much we think we know about God's word, there is always more to learn and discover. Keep seeking Him with a fresh perspective and an open heart.

As a believer, seeking a fresh word and revelation from God is essential for a thriving spiritual life. It is easy to become stagnant in our faith, relying on old experiences and knowledge of who God is and what His word says. However, God is always moving, and His word is alive and active. So, it is crucial to seek a new and fresh understanding of who God is and what He desires for our lives. The beauty of seeking a fresh word from God is that it brings new life and vitality to our faith. It allows us to encounter God in a deeper and more intimate way, leading to a transformative experience that impacts every aspect of our lives. As we seek God's face, we are drawn closer to Him, and our understanding of His character deepens, allowing us to live with greater purpose and intentionality. Seeking a fresh word from God is also an act of faith. It requires us to trust that God is speaking and that He desires to reveal Himself to us. It is an opportunity to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown, trusting that God will guide us along the way. It is a reminder that our relationship with God is not static but dynamic, and we must continually seek Him to grow and mature.

The last thing I discovered about moving bodies of water is that they can erode and shape the surrounding landscape over time, carving out valleys and canyons, while stagnant bodies of water tend to have little effect on their surroundings.

How will we change the world around us if the word of God is not alive in us. If it is not actively changing us, how do we expect it to change those around us? We need a fresh word, a new revelation of who God is and what He wants to do in us and through us.

So if you're feeling stagnant in your spiritual life, don't give up hope. God is waiting to reveal Himself to you in new and exciting ways. Spend time in prayer and in His word, and ask Him to give you a fresh revelation of who He is. Be open to His leading and His voice, and be willing to step out in faith as He guides you into the next season of your spiritual journey. Don't be afraid of your old mindsets being broken down by His word. God will not lead you astray. If your heart is in the right place and you want to know Him better, He will lead you into ALL TRUTH. Remember, God is always moving, and He wants to take you with Him on the adventure of a lifetime.

Lean in to Life. It’s messy, but beautiful.

Much love,

LB