During a worship time recently I saw a picture of a spile. I knew exactly what it was thanks to the book “Catching Fire“ from the The Hunger Games series. A spile is a spout-like tool that you insert into a tree to tap water or to draw off the sap. In the book, a spile was sent as a gift to one of the characters so they would have a much-needed water source during a game they were being forced to play.
As I saw this picture during worship, I felt the Lord saying, I’m giving you the necessary tool to draw out what you want from me. I love to satisfy.
We often refer to the seasons of life. Some seasons feel forced and others come with ease. Regardless of which one we may be in, we are in need of a constant supply of Jesus and everything he is.
I believe the picture of a spile purposefully detects a tool we have to use or activate. I’m big on saying it’s our choice—we choose to pursue the Lord or not to pursue him. A spile can only be useful if it’s tapped into a tree. Likewise, the tools God gives us to draw out more of him are only useful if we tap into him.
God loves to be pursued, and he is a willing giver! (Deuteronomy 28:12, Psalm 104:28; Matthew 7:7). He calls to us, ...he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price….delight yourself in rich food (Isaiah 55). He gives us provision for the provision–he is so committed to us.
I am asking the Holy Spirit to show me what I’m really thirsty for, what needs to be satisfied in my heart. And, then, to help me see the spile, the tool the Lord has already given me to draw out more of him. I want–need–there to be a flow of his water and his sappy, goodness in my life. Amen? Amen!
I want to share a few examples of the tools God gives us. BUT, you have to promise me that you will not let it limit your exploration with the Holy Spirit. Promise? Okay, here are some starting ideas: Time (oh, it’s there. Usually being wasted), Bible reading, praying (simply talking to the Lord), silence, solitude, community, friends, service, fasting, journaling, artistic expression, hiking/walking (not for exercise, for breathing)… so many more. What would you add?
Brave Sparrow 