The weather is warming up and everyday in the desert is beautiful but even more so when it’s blooming and the trees are budding.
It’s important to remember to take plenty of water when you go out hiking or exploring. It doesn’t take long in the desert sun to dry out or feel the effects of dehydration.
Every hiker knows to take life giving water.
As a girl we never went on a car trip without having at least two gallons of water in the trunk of the car. If the car overheated we would add it to the radiator and we would have some to drink in case of an emergency. Water is a necessity of life.
But what about our soul? How long does it take for the soul to dry out and become parched? How many emotional dry spells can it endure?
Since the soul is more fragile than the body the withering takes place more quickly. It isn’t always as visible as physical dehydration but it is just as devastating.
Have you had those times? Times when you say I just feel like I want to shrivel up and die?
King David spent quite a bit of time being pursued by King Saul in the desert of Israel. He knew what it was like to thirst both physically and spiritually.
“God, you are my God. I am searching so hard to find you. Body and soul, I thirst for you in this dry and weary land without water. 2 Yes, I have seen you in your Temple. I have seen your strength and glory. 3 Your faithful love is better than life, so my lips praise you. 4 By my life, I will praise you. In your name, I lift my hands in prayer. 5 When I sit down to satisfy my hunger my joyful lips hunger to praise you! 6 I remember you while lying on my bed. I think about you in the middle of the night. 7 That is because you are the one who helps me. It makes me happy to be under your protection! 8 I stay close to you, and you hold me with your powerful arm.” Psalm 63:1-9 ERV
Body and soul desire life giving water. Physical water refreshes the body and praise refreshes the soul.
We are waiting patiently for the Spring rains. Nothing smells better than rain in the desert, nothing brings signs of life like a desert rain.
“Let’s do our best to know the Lord. His coming is as certain as the morning sun; he will refresh us like rain renewing the earth in the springtime.” Hosea 6:3 CEV
Life giving water restores the soul.
I pray that you will know what it’s like to be spiritually thirsty, to have soul-thirst, and then to be completely refreshed by the falling rain of God’s amazing love!