Skin Time

Skin time with the Almighty God, my loving Father, is indescribable. It is the moment when the realm of this earth falls away. The kiss of Heaven takes over, replacing the stunted reality in which I live daily. And in this moment, I am enveloped in truth. Truth which I don't understand, but is similar, I'm sure, to that which caused Isaiah to cry out “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Truth which uncovers the muted partial-existence which I have adopted as acceptable - even desirable. It exposes the dim distractions which I have exalted and pursued in the stead of an unfathomable glory, the glory of the Uncreated One.

Here, as I lay on my floor and listen to the rain pouring just on the other side of my open door, I am convinced of two things. He is my delight. And I am His.

My mind grapples with this concept, for it does not make sense to a finite, logical mind. Yet I am certain. There is not even an argument in my mind, just wonder. I am utterly convinced. I raise my hands in praise, and laughter overwhelms me as He responds in the rain! It rushes and thunders now, replacing the gentler rain preceding it. I speak my heart to Him, worshiping Him, and a small, direct wind brushes my face. He has lavished good things upon me, I rejoice in Him.

He longs to draw close to His people! It is His glory to move in and through our mortal lives. It shows that He is alive, alert, and active. He is not as an idol that is powerless to answer prayer. He shows who He is by responding! FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE He is abundantly, extravagantly good to us! He pours out His Spirit on all peoples and offers Himself to all who seek Him. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled." He will satisfy all who place their hope in Him.

I begin to let go. After all, what have I been holding on to? What could I possibly be chasing after or clinging to that compares with the surpassing glory offered to me by the sovereign Jesus? What has my ambition gained me? What does it win me to make my name greater than others? Am I not tired of trying to earn my value?

At first, it is uncomfortable to unlearn conformity. In the same way that wrists and ankles feel awkward for a time after shackles are removed, it is at first awkward to lay off the life-long internal bonds which I have practiced from childhood. I stretch these muscles which have long lain dormant. Freedom! How joyful it is to stretch out in freedom! I breath deeply the sweet, clean air. I fill my lungs with it! Realization is dawning that I am no longer condemned to a meaningless life! My value is irrefutable and not the least bit dependent on my ability to complete prerequisites.

I am the delight of the Almighty God. As are you. And it is His pleasure to display His greatness through showing us mercy.

So come listen to the rain. Spend some skin time with the One who knows you completely, and loves you just as completely.