The Hydration Test

Imagine two different people, both desiring energy.  Energy Ernie drinks exclusively highly caffeinated energy drinks.  Water Wayne drinks exclusively water.  In the first hour of their hydration experiment Energy Ernie would probably have much more energy; he would probably seem more excited, even vigorous, compared to Water Wayne.  How long would it take for this to change?  Two hours? Three hours? A full day?  Certainly by day two or three, probably far sooner, the energy levels would begin to reverse.   Energy Ernie would be anything but--he'd be feeling his lack of sustainable hydration, probably his health would quickly suffer.  Water Wayne, on the other hand, would feel refreshed and hydrated and his consistent water drinking would bring a noticeable benefit to his health.  His dependance on water would increasingly reveal the benefits of water hydration to him.

The Word of God, accompanied by the Spirit of God, is like water to our souls.  The entertainments and pleasures of this world are more like caffeinated energy drinks.  Sometimes we crave the immediate high, the quick emotional impact with little investment, that entertainment and worldly pleasures can bring.  We are disappointed when we don't feel a buzz from our latest 8 ounces of Scripture.   However,  as fun as a movie or a roller coaster might be, they can never attain or sustain the heights of strength and passion provided by a consistent intake of God's Word, energized by His Spirit. In a short time, temporary enjoyments leave us needing another experience.  Pursued exclusively, or for the purpose of providing ultimate spiritual hydration, these enjoyments actually begin to decrease our energy and spiritual passion. Before long, our capacity for energy suffers burn out. Furthermore, we begin to crave and take energy from those around us, who, of course, can never fully satisfy our thirst.

Not so the Word of God.  The more we take in, the more we drink of God's Word, the more our souls are truly refreshed, the more we look forward to more.  And more than the benefit to us, the Word that has refreshed our souls flows out of us to refresh others. We share that Word the way a fountain provides water to those who are thirsty.

Don't look to the pleasures of this world to provide the ultimate hydration for your soul.  Look to the Fountain--the Word that always satisfies, always energizes, always has more to give.