Water when you are thirsty

by Shelia Gaines

Verse for thought:
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. John 7:38

There is a beautiful plant on the circulation desk of our library. It is actually two or three different plants with a lily in the center. At one time, I was responsible for watering that plant. Thankfully, it was only for a short period of time because unlike my mother, I am not very good with plants. We came close to losing that beautiful plant more than once while it was under my “care”. Even though I walk past it dozens of times every day, I did not think about watering it until the tall beautiful leaves were wilted so much that they would be lying down on the side of the planter. Fortunately, even after the soil dried and the leaves wilted without water, there was still time to revive it. I was always amazed by how fast it revived. Within a matter of hours, the leaves would start to stand up again and they would look alive. The dry soil would begin to stay moist again. In addition to water, plants will often need plant food. They will also need occasional pruning.
If we make time in our lives for everything except our relationship with Christ, we will find ourselves continually in a dry place. Without a healthy balance, even good things (jobs, spouses, children, church) can leave us feeling drained and empty. If this is where you are today, remember that just as a plant is revived after it is watered, we can be revived by the living water of the word (from a sermon, a word of encouragement, or a devotional) and be healthy again. Take care of yourself in a way that is pleasing to God, with a healthy diet of Matthew 4:4.

Let’s Pray:
Thank you, Lord for the living water you provide. Help me to drink of your word not only during the “dry” seasons in my life but also in my daily walk. Remind me of your presence when I fill my life with other things instead of you.

Take the next step:
Make a list of the areas in your life that are dry and/or dying. Pray about those things every day this week. Ask God to show you what you need to do replenish those areas of your life and see growth. Pray for strength to follow God’s leading if there are things that you do not need to revive and continue to trust him no matter what.