Déjà vu of the God Kind

At 27 years old, nearing the end of my college years, I followed my usual routine on Wednesday, June 18, 1997, and attended the youth group service at my church. As an assistant leader, along with another person close to my age, I helped wherever needed.

 

That night marked the beginning of extraordinary changes in my life. Looking back, many who were there would agree that God did amazing things during that time. However, as with many spiritual encounters throughout history, some lost their way and abandoned their faith. For me, this season remains a personal treasure. If God had ordained it solely for my benefit, it was still an incredible gift to my soul—one I will cherish all my days.

 

On this particular night, our youth pastor, Mark, felt led by the Holy Spirit to do something different. After the usual teaching time, he shared a message from Psalm 23. Although I don’t remember every detail of the teaching, the focus on the phrase from verse 5, “my cup overflows,” stood out.

 

Following the sermon, Mark acted on what he believed was an instruction from the Holy Spirit. He asked the youth helpers to bring several pitchers of water. Then, addressing the room of 30-40 teenagers and some college students, he inquired if anyone had financial needs. About eight of us, including me, stepped forward.

 

Mark, continuing to follow the Holy Spirit’s prompting, took an offering from those seated. The money collected was divided among the eight of us who had stepped forward. Each of us received a cup, and the offering was placed inside. Those released to pray for us were instructed to slowly pour water into our cups as they prayed for increase in our lives, filling the cups until they overflowed.

 

I was the last to be prayed for. As I waited, I tried to focus on receiving whatever God had for me. I couldn’t help but notice the powerful effect the prayers had on those before me. Growing up in charismatic churches, I was familiar with people falling to the floor during prayer. Sometimes, though, it felt more like a cultural expectation than a genuine encounter with God. I wanted something real, and I was bracing myself for the possibility that it might not happen.

 

But it did.

 

As soon as the water spilled over the rim of my cup and onto my hands, I immediately fell to the floor.

 

For those unfamiliar, some people in this state have visions or spiritual experiences where they seem unaware of their surroundings. For me, I’ve always remained fully aware during such moments. My practice is to quiet myself and listen for anything the Father might want to share with me.

 

As I lay there, a song began playing in my mind—one that wasn’t being sung in the room: “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” It repeated several times, and I wondered why this song was on my mind.

 

Then the Holy Spirit interrupted my thoughts, asking, “How do you obtain joy?”

 

Assuming it required effort on my part, I didn’t connect the answer to the song. The Holy Spirit then asked me to sing it. As I finished the phrase, “The joy of the Lord is my strength,” He asked, “Whose joy is your strength?”

 

I slowed down and repeated the words, but He stopped me at, “of the Lord.” 

 

That night marked a shift in my perspective. Through many encounters, He opened my spiritual eyes to be able to witness His joy and discover a strengthening my soul desperately hungered for.  It was the first of many experiences where my cup truly overflowed—bringing spiritual growth and deep healing to my soul.

 

Years later, I experienced a moment of déjà vu.

 

On September 4, 2022, I had arranged for my brother to bring my dad to Oklahoma City so we could attend church together. My mom had passed the previous year, and we were trying to encourage Dad to get out more. Since he loves God and enjoys fellowship with other believers, it seemed like the perfect plan. After church, we planned to visit Pop’s, a well-known Oklahoma landmark.

 

During the service, our pastor spoke on Psalm 23. After the sermon, a member of the prophetic team stepped out in faith, asking if anyone was worried about paying their utility bills that winter.

 

To my surprise, my dad raised his hand. He was invited to the front, and the speaker asked the congregation to listen to the Lord and bring monetary gifts to bless him.

 

Dad was puzzled when people lined up to hand him cash and checks. Being hard of hearing, he didn’t fully understand what had happened. We simply smiled and encouraged him to accept the blessings.

 

Once in the car, we discovered the source of his confusion: Dad thought the speaker had asked if anyone wanted a fresh anointing of God’s Spirit. He had no idea why he was the only one to raise his hand—or why people started giving him money!

 

On the drive to Pop’s, the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to the parallel between this moment and my own experience 25 years earlier. I explained it to my dad, but I knew God orchestrated this encounter, not primarily for him, but for me.

 

God reminded me that He is my provider, my source of increase, and the one who strengthens me through His joy.

 

Psalms 23 (ESV) 

The LORD Is My Shepherd

A PSALM OF DAVID.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD

forever.