Soul Hydration

Has anyone ever asked you if your glass is half empty or half full? The goal of this question is to provoke self-examination. The person with a positive outlook on life will typically respond that their glass is half full. The person with a not-so-positive outlook on life will typically respond that their glass is half empty. Although I understand the idea of healthy perspectives and self-examination, my response to this question has been, Why does it matter if the glass is half empty or half full if you don’t drink the water?

In the past, I would’ve been concerned about questions like this and figuring out whether my glass was half empty or half full, but not today. Today I find myself asking a different question, because I want to consume living water. John 7:38 says, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (NIV). I’m asking myself, What does it feel like to be consumed by God? What does it feel like to want the refreshing flow of God’s purpose in my life? This is the question I want answered.

You may be thinking I’m making a big deal out of a simple question, but let me explain. I have never been a fan of plain water. I know this isn’t about drinking water, but hear me out. I could count on two hands how much plain water I drank in a year’s time. My main water intake came from soft drinks, juice, and so on. You can imagine the health issues that come with thirty-plus years of this awful habit. My go-to beverage is always something sweet and full of calories.

What does this have to do with my quest for living water as described in John 7:38? Like a thirsty person who has discovered plain water and the health benefits that come with it, I no longer wish to be spiritually dehydrated. This dry feeling inside is my spirit thirsting after more of God, more of his Word, more of the promises secured for me in Jesus’ name!

I used to drink plain water only when I pushed my body to the point of dehydration, and I had no choice. I would give myself a pep talk about how I needed to be healthier and drink more water if I wanted to honor the body God gave me. I would draw charts, print off some feel-good quotes about health, and make plans to drink more water. I knew what the healthy choice was, but eventually I was searching for anything to put in my water. I’d begin with lemon, and that was okay. Then I would add fruit to my water, and that was okay too. Then I would add a little fruit, lemon, and sugar. Next thing you know, I was drinking fruit flavored lemonade—until I got dehydrated again.

I feel in my spirit, this year more than ever, that I need to get hydrate my soul with the living water of God. I don’t need substitutes or trivial questions about my perspective on life. I need the pure and unembellished Word of God so that I can better live out my faith.

I want to do more than review the Word of God and share my perspective. [Tweet “I want to drink living water and enjoy the benefits of being alive in Jesus.”] I want to be fully hydrated with the Word of God and able to pour out for others what God has poured into me for his glory.

My passion in life is to help others find their purpose. But if I don’t stay filled up, I won’t have anything to give. I also can’t sit around pondering whether my glass is half empty or half full. I have to drink the water

I won’t ask you if you think your glass is half empty or half full. My question to you is, Are you thirsty?

NaTasha Hart grew up in a small town that taught her to love people and the little things in life. Although born in Indiana, she has experienced life in various places. She is comfortable coloring outside the lines and frequently writes beyond the margins. Tasha blogs at tashartlife.com.