Rehydration
If you live in North America, it’s likely that you suffer from chronic dehydration. Chronic dehydration is when the body doesn’t have enough fluid to perform all the bodily functions properly, for an extended period of time. It can cause many symptoms, including fatigue or energy loss, digestive disorders, high or low blood pressure, respiratory troubles, and even premature aging.
A person may not even know that they are experiencing chronic dehydration. Many have been with it for so long that it seems normal. Surely no one would like to be in this state, however I fear that we, as God’s children, live with spiritual chronic dehydration.
Chronic dehydration of the spirit is an immense danger, because it causes us to become complacent in our walk with God. We believe we’re doing fine, however we are slowly killing ourselves or causing side effects that impede spiritual progress. We are unable to act on the prompting of the spirit, and we get comfortable because things have always been this way and always will be. Eventually we cannot imagine what it’s like to have a more satisfying life — a life of spiritual hydration.
I have been attempting to get to the point where, instead of being so desensitized to my lack of spiritual hydration, I will recognize it and quench the thirst that I have In God. I want to live at a deeper level, to get out of the place I thought was normal. I want to dive into the deeper levels of spiritual renewal and depth that I’ve never known.
At times I have been thoroughly convinced that I’ve “arrived” at the level God planned for me in the spirit, but then God has opened up my eyes to see how parched I really am for Him.
This week there was a fresh opportunity to experience this. At our church, the young men have decided to gather on Saturday nights and pray. We had reached a point where we were praying and things were happening, but we were not to the point God was beckoning us to.
We could have been satisfied with where we were at. It was even an exceptional place to be for our age group. However, God gave us the grace to identify what I would classify as our spiritual dehydration. So we decided to push for that Liberty in the spirit, to bring ourselves to the threshold of the Holy of Holies. On a cold spring night, we allowed God to bring us into His very presence.
As we stepped into God’s presence on the other side of that veil, we were greeted by a presence so beautiful that I find it hard to put into words. We became lost in His presence and renewed by His blood. That’s what happens when we decide to go deeper and be willing to follow God into the unprecedented places He wants to bring us to.
I really really like this part.
“I have been attempting to get to the point where, instead of being so desensitized to my lack of spiritual hydration, I will recognize it and quench the thirst that I have In God. I want to live at a deeper level, to get out of the place I thought was normal. I want to dive into the deeper levels of spiritual renewal and depth that I’ve never known.”
You said it perfectly!
Love love love this article Josh!!! Very well done! let us ALL strive to remain HYDRATED in God’s word
Wise man! Especially when you choose to focus on doing something to spiritual hydrate rather than just bemoaning your state of dehydration. It has been very encouraging to see young people like yourself pursue God and break through into special times in his presence.
You young(er) folks are really growing. In wisdom, stature (for sure) and in favor with God and man! Your articles are very insightful and encouraging.
How often have I forgotten to drink from the well of living water that Jesus has put within us. It is always there to draw from. Sometimes our determination to be strong keeps us from realizing that we are really in need of a long, deep, saturating drink of living water. It will infuse us with the joy and strength that our spirit is craving. Our stubborn wills cause us to drink from “mud puddles” instead sometimes. When we draw with joy from the well of salvation it leaves a permanent reminder in our hearts and spirits and souls that there is never going to be any substitute for that pure living water from Heaven!