God's Car Wash

When was the last time you went to the car wash? Was your car a little dirty? Or A LOT dirty? Let’s take a mental trip through the car wash that I hope will inspire you to take a few minutes to pause, sit, receive, and then step forward renewed.

Elements of the Car Wash

• There’s a cost. Cleansing always comes at a price.

• I put my car in neutral. To enter, I must surrender control, trusting the process ahead.

• For the next few moments, my job is simply to sit. Letting go, I allow the work to be done.

• Powerful forces move around me. I remain in a safe place as the machines and water work with intensity.

• Detergent is applied. It breaks down the dirt and grime, penetrating the hidden places.

• Each part of the vehicle is tended to. Different tools address different areas, ensuring thorough cleansing.

• My view of the exit is sometimes blocked. I can't always see the outcome, but I choose to trust the process.

• Clarity shifts to blurriness. The water distorts my vision. I wait.

• Streams of water pour down. They rinse away everything that was applied, leaving only what is meant to remain.

• I am clean, but not yet finished. There is still more. I wait.

• The world outside is visible again. I’m eager to move forward, but the sign flashes: “Relax.”

• A powerful wind rushes through. It removes what lingers, ensuring I leave fully refreshed.

• The process is complete. I drive forward—clean, renewed, and ready for the road ahead.

Lessons of the Car Wash

Like cars, we get dirty (even grimy) traveling through life. At some point, we decide it’s time to do something about it. The car wash represents our intentional entrance to sit in the presence of God. 

It costs me time and a heart of surrender. I shift gears from the busyness of life to sit. To be still. To release control of the schedule and to-do list. 

The water of God’s Word washes over me. It begins to loosen the preoccupations that have become attached in my soul. Teaching and correction are like the soap and cleaning brushes that tackle the things that have muddied up my mind. Destructive thoughts and emotions become dislodged. 

As I move into prayer and worship, I sense God’s Spirit like water rushing all around me. The grime gets removed by the streams of water that carry all debris away. In the flood of water, my vision gets blurry. I allow the Spirit to do His work as I choose to trust. There is peace amid the disturbance and being unable to see what is ahead.

God breathes life, hope, and joy into my spirit. I know I am nearing the end of my time of sitting with Him, but I linger. I relax. I savor the moment and let the wind of His Spirit blow. 

The time has come to re-enter my surroundings. I leave the position of sitting, but His presence travels with me as I get back on the journey of life, changed by time spent in His presence.

Time in His Presence

Sitting in God’s presence is much more than completing a Bible study or speaking a list of requests in prayer. It is a personal encounter with the Most High God.

Psalm 16:11  You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

If the concept of being in God's presence is strange or unfamiliar, think of it as sitting with a loving Friend—One who knows you completely, welcomes you fully, and invites you to know Him. 

Please share your thoughts about spending time in God’s presence.  InterConnected Ministries has many opportunities to help you connect with God and with others. Check out our calendar or send Michelle a note.

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