The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. ~ Isaiah 58:11
When I spend a hot, ninety-five degree day beside a pool of crisp, clear, chlorinated water, I feel comfortable because at any time I can get in the water and immerse myself to cool down. I can also sit on the edge and dangle my feet in the refreshing coolness as well as splash my hands in it. I can also fill a spray bottle with some of the pool water and carry it back to a chaise lounge where I can periodically spray my skin to cool it down. All of these options cool me down but some are more effective than others.
In the same way that pool water cools down my physical body, the word of God is living water that refreshes my soul. I can take in as much or as little as I want. I can be a well-watered garden.
Immersion is Best
I always feel the most refreshment when I read God’s word on a daily basis. A chapter or two from the old testament, a chapter or two from the new testament, a psalm, and a couple of proverbs read daily in a systematic way is best for me. That method nourishes my soul and lifts my perspective so I can start my day with wisdom and encouragement. This is like drinking a thirty-two ounce cup of water. I feel full and refreshed.
Dabbling Still Helps
On some days, I may not get my full bible reading in and sometimes I don’t get any of it in. Nevertheless, even when I’m unfaithful, God is faithful. On those days, I usually come across an article or devotion that has a scripture or two in it that refreshes me some anyway. Being open to God’s teachings that can come from multiple directions is a good thing. This is like drinking an eight-ounce cup of water. I feel less thirsty but not as full.
When Parched, I Can Always Return
I also admit that at times in my Christian life I have gone far too long with only drips and drops of the word in my life. I let the busyness of life get the better of me and I get out of bed, get ready, and go without opening my bible. I would still occasionally get morsels and drops of water from Christian radio and articles. And, those drops did sustain me because, again, God is faithful even when I’m unfaithful but I still became parched and dry. It was simply sustenance instead of refreshment. This is like spraying a mist of water on my body. I feel a bit more refreshed but the water soon evaporates and leaves me dry.
God didn’t go anywhere during those parched times. He didn’t say, “Well, you’re on your own now.” He just waited for me to get thirsty enough to run back to him and his word. Thank God, I always did and I hope that I always will.
Returning is Sweet
It’s almost as if God gave me a bonus even though I was unfaithful. When I did return to reading the bible regularly, it seemed extra sweet as I relished in the cool water of passages such as Joseph realizing that what was meant for harm, God used for good. And, Joshua being told to take courage and have no fear. Moreover, I saw King David singing and praising the Lord with all of his heart. In addition, Jesus spoke welcoming ideas like Come all of you that are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Actually, it’s not really extra refreshment. It’s just that when you are parched, guzzling water feels extra good.
Unfortunately, it is easy to get out of the habit of reading God’s word regularly. Busy workloads, illness, as well as laziness and complacency can all take their toll on the good habit of reading some of the bible each day. However, God doesn’t want you to stay there and he doesn’t write you off. He longs for you to come back and pick up where you left off. He longs to quench your thirsty soul.
You can become like a deer that yearns and pants for water so that those drier times become fewer, shorter, and farther apart.
