In the Bible, “stirred up” often refers to the provocation or awakening of emotions, actions, or thoughts, particularly in a spiritual or communal context. It can imply inciting a response, as seen when God stirs up the spirit of individuals or groups to fulfill His purposes or to act in a certain way (e.g., Ezra 1:1).
Scripture
21 And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the Lord’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments.
22 So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the Lord.
23 Everyone who could make a contribution of silver or bronze brought the Lord’s contribution. And every one who possessed acacia wood of any use in the work brought it.
24 Everyone who could make a contribution of silver or bronze brought the Lord’s contribution. And every one who possessed acacia wood of any use in the work brought it.
25 And every skillful woman spun with her hands, and they all brought what they had spun in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen.
26 All the women whose hearts stirred them to use their skill spun the goats’ hair.
27 And the leaders brought onyx stones and stones to be set, for the ephod and for the breastpiece,
28 And they brought the tabernacle to Moses, the tent and all its utensils, its hooks, its frames, its bars, its pillars, and its bases;
29 All the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work that the Lord had commanded by Moses to be done brought it as a freewill offering to the Lord.
“Stirred Up” Meaning in the Bible
The concept of being “stirred up” in the Bible encompasses a rich tapestry of spiritual and emotional awakening that leads to action, often reflecting God’s divine influence on human hearts. This stirring can manifest as a call to worship, repentance, or a mobilization for a specific task. For instance, in Ezra 1:1, we see that the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, prompting him to issue a decree allowing the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This highlights the idea that divine intervention can lead to significant changes in individuals and communities, stirring them towards fulfillment of God’s plans.
Moreover, the notion of being “stirred up” often carries a dual implication of both internal and external dynamics. In Acts 17:16, we read about Paul being “stirred up” in his spirit as he saw the idols in Athens, prompting him to address the spiritual emptiness of the city. This illustrates how the emotional awakening can lead to fervent action, encouraging believers to engage with their surroundings fervently. Similarly, in Hebrews 10:24, the admonition to “stir up love and good works” among believers emphasizes communal responsibility in fostering a nurturing and encouraging environment in faith. Overall, the phrase “stirred up” encapsulates a transformational process whereby individuals are ignited by divine purpose, catalyzing both personal and communal renewal in alignment with God’s will.
The theme of being “stirred up” also resonates with the idea of a divine prompting that stirs individuals to reflect deeply on their faith and govern their actions accordingly. For instance, in the Old Testament, God’s stirring of the hearts of leaders and prophets often leads to national or communal revival. In the book of Nehemiah, for example, Nehemiah’s burden for Jerusalem is ignited when he hears about the city’s affliction. His emotional response not only compels him to pray but also motivates him to take tangible steps towards leading his people in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. This demonstrates that divine stirring can provoke a profound sense of responsibility that extends beyond personal faith, bridging into communal restoration.
Additionally, the phrase can underscore a sense of urgency in bringing about God’s will during crucial times. In the prophetic literature, the stirring of hearts serves as a call to action, seen during times of crisis or moral decay. When the prophet Haggai urged the people to consider their ways and return to rebuilding the temple, he reinforced that they were being stirred to prioritize their covenant with God amidst distractions and disunity. This biblical motif is not just limited to individual experiences but often highlights the collective response to divine leading. Together, these examples illustrate that being “stirred up” transcends personal feelings and actions, reflecting a collective awakening to God’s mission and the call to engage with the community in faithful action.
Spiritual Awakening and Motivation
In the Bible, the phrase “stirred up” often signifies a spiritual awakening or motivation among individuals or communities. This can refer to a divine influence that prompts people to take action, whether it be in worship, service, or a return to faith. Such stirring can lead to a renewed commitment to God’s purposes and a collective movement towards righteousness.
Provocation to Action
“Stirred up” can also imply a provocation to action, where individuals or groups are incited to respond to a particular situation or challenge. This can manifest in various forms, such as rallying for justice, engaging in prayer, or mobilizing for a cause. The stirring often serves as a catalyst for change, encouraging believers to step out of complacency and actively participate in God’s work.
Emotional and Relational Dynamics
Additionally, the term can reflect emotional and relational dynamics within communities. When people are “stirred up,” it can indicate a heightened sense of urgency, passion, or even conflict. This stirring can lead to deeper connections among believers as they rally together for a common purpose, or it may highlight tensions that need to be addressed within the community. In this sense, it underscores the importance of emotional engagement in the life of faith.
How to Cultivate Divine Inspiration in Your Christian Journey
Cultivating divine inspiration in your Christian journey is a deeply personal and transformative process that begins with a sincere desire to connect with God. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing the Word to speak to your heart and guide your thoughts; consider keeping a journal to reflect on your insights and prayers. Create a sacred space for prayer and meditation, where you can quiet your mind and listen for God’s gentle whispers. Surround yourself with a community of believers who inspire and challenge you, as fellowship can ignite your faith and provide accountability. Lastly, be open to the unexpected ways God may choose to inspire you—through nature, art, or even the kindness of strangers. Remember, divine inspiration often comes in the stillness, so make room in your life for moments of solitude and contemplation, trusting that God is always eager to reveal His presence in your journey.
Bible References to “Stirred Up”:
Deuteronomy 2:30-31: 30 But Sihon the king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him, for the Lord your God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate, that he might give him into your hand, as he is this day.
31 And the Lord said to me, ‘Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land over to you. Begin to take possession, that you may occupy his land.’
Judges 5:12-13: 12 “Awake, awake, Deborah! Awake, awake, break out in a song! Arise, Barak, lead away your captives, O son of Abinoam.”
13 “Then down marched the remnant of the noble; the people of the Lord marched down for me against the mighty.
1 Samuel 11:6-7: 6 And the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled.
7 And he took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, “Whoever does not come out after Saul and Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen.” Then the dread of the Lord fell upon the people, and they came out as one man.
2 Samuel 23:2-3: 2 “The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me;
his word is on my tongue.”
3 The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me: When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God,
1 Kings 21:25-26: 25 (There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited.)
26 He acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord cast out before the people of Israel.
2 Chronicles 21:16-17: 16 And the Lord stirred up against Jehoram the anger of the Philistines and of the Arabians who are near the Ethiopians.
17 and they came up against Judah and invaded it and carried away all the possessions they found that belonged to the king’s house, and also his sons and his wives, so that no son was left to him except Jehoahaz, his youngest son.
Ezra 1:1-2: 1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing:
2 “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.”
Ezra 1:5-6: 5 Then rose up the heads of the fathers’ houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up to rebuild the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem.
6 And all who were about them aided them with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, with beasts, and with costly wares, besides all that was freely offered.
Nehemiah 4:8-9: 8 And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it.
9 And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.
Isaiah 13:17-18: 17 Behold, I am stirring up the Medes against them, who have no regard for silver and do not delight in gold.
18 Their bows will slaughter the young men;
they will have no mercy on infants,
nor will they look with compassion on children.
Isaiah 41:2-4: 2 Who stirred up one from the east whom victory meets at every step? He gives up nations before him, so that he tramples kings underfoot; he makes them like dust with his sword, like driven stubble with his bow.
3 He pursues them and passes on safely, by paths his feet have not trod.
4 Who has performed and done this,
calling the generations from the beginning?
I, the Lord, the first,
and with the last; I am he.
Isaiah 45:13-14: 13 I have stirred him up in righteousness, and I will make all his ways level; he shall build my city and set my exiles free, not for price or reward,” says the Lord of hosts.
14 Thus says the Lord: “The wealth of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, and the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over to you and be yours; they shall follow you; they shall come over in chains and bow down to you. They will plead with you, saying: ‘Surely God is in you, and there is no other, no god besides him.’”
Jeremiah 50:9-10: 9 For behold, I am stirring up and bringing against Babylon a gathering of great nations, from the north country. And they shall array themselves against her. From there she shall be taken.
10 Chaldea shall be plundered; all who plunder her shall be sated, declares the Lord.
Daniel 11:10-11: 10 “His sons shall wage war and assemble a multitude of great forces, which shall keep coming and overflow and pass through, and again shall carry the war as far as his fortress.”
11 Then the king of the south, moved with rage, shall come out and fight against the king of the north. And he shall raise a great multitude, but it shall be given into his hand.
Haggai 1:14-15: 14 And the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God,
15 On the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.
Acts 6:12-13: 12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council.
13 and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law,
Acts 13:50-51: But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.
13 And they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium.
Acts 14:2-3: 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Acts 17:13-14: 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds.
14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained in Berea.
2 Peter 1:13-15: 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder,
14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.
15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.
2 Peter 3:1-2: 3 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder,
2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles,
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.