By: Joanne Viola
“… he leads me beside quiet waters.” (Psalm 23:2, NIV)
Adults need about eleven glasses of water a day to stay properly hydrated. Water plays a key role in our strength and energy throughout the day and is required if we are going to stay generally well.
Thirst is a sign of needing water, that our body is dry. It will drive us to the water fountain or our refrigerators in an effort to quench our thirst.
It is no different with our soul, which needs to be watered by God in ordered to be satisfied.
” “To drink” in spiritual terminology simply means “take in’ – or “to accept” – or “to believe.” That is to say it implies that a persona accepts and assimilates the very life of God in Christ to the point where it becomes a part of him.”
(from A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller, page 51)
Simply put – we, as people, have an insatiable thirst for God. Our souls long for God and will only be satisfied by His Word through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Our Shepherd knows exactly where to lead us fin order for us to drink from peaceful and pure waters. He longs to see ours souls watered, refreshed, and satisfied even more so than we long for it ourselves.
Our struggle is we strive against His leading, thinking we can find our own source of water. We do the very same thing as God’s people of old:
The psalmist knew from experience what it felt like to be in a dry and lonely wasteland. He knew what nothing could water and fill his dry soul like being in the presence of the living God.
“O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1, NLT)
But as he spent time with the Lord, in the stillness of the night and in the quiet of the dawning day, he gained strength and renewed focus.
For then our souls will reside in His peaceful Presence all day.
Joanne,
ReplyDeletePerhaps this explains why I am drawn to photographs with water in them as of late. I believe we are all thirsting for living water as we walk, parched, through this barren wasteland that is life in 2020. Thanks for pointing us back to the well!
Blessings,
Bev xx
I didn't think of that but I do believe you are right, Bev. May we keep walking on through this dry time as He will lead us back to Himself - the well that never will run dry!
Deleteyes, so easy to abandon the Living Water for stale, polluted waters! thank you for the reminder to press into Him.
ReplyDeleteMariel, you are so encouraging. May we be mindful to come to the clear and pure waters of our God.
ReplyDeleteWe cannot find satisfaction, contentment without quenching our thirst with Him - so easy but sometimes so very hard to do! Sometimes that is the greatest battle!
ReplyDeleteIt's so true, Maryleigh. I need to spend time in Scripture first thing in the morning, otherwise the day gets away from me.
DeleteThe Bible puts things so aptly. God promises to fill those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. May we always go to the only sufficient fountain and point others there as well.
ReplyDeleteAmen and Amen!
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