Freely Drink: Living Water for the Body and Soul — Guest Post by Rebecca Bauman

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Our world cannot exist without water; yet, those of us blessed to live in prosperous nations give this life-giving liquid little heed. We go about our day, too busy to stop and appreciate something so “insignificant” as water.  We use water for bathing, cooking, cleaning, and laundry. We water the animals, water the plants, and water the garden with ease. Anytime we are thirsty, we simply grab a glass, turn on the faucet, and drink cool, clean water.

Besides all of these outward ways we use water, our bodies also need water internally. Amazingly, the human body is approximately 55 to 60% water! It is absolutely critical for every cell, tissue, and organ. In fact, water is so vital within the body that we will die after only three to four days without it.

 

Water: A multitude of functions in the body

 

Water has several tasks within the body.  First, it is an essential component of our blood, delivering nutrients, oxygen, and waste products to their respective places. Water helps maintain our body temperature and lubricate joints. During digestion, water is used to form saliva, help move food through the intestines, and boost metabolism. Also, the kidneys use water to help regulate blood pressure and filter waste products from the blood.

 

In order for our bodies to be operating at their very best, we must stay hydrated! Even mild dehydration can cause noticeable symptoms. Not drinking enough water can disrupt our mood and thinking and cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating, problems with short-term memory, and reduced physical endurance. Headaches can also come from mild dehydration.

 

Do you ever experience a “brain fog” or energy slump in the middle of the day? Assess your water intake; dehydration could be the culprit.

Living Water for the soul

 

Just as our bodies require regular doses of water to keep us healthy and hydrated, we must also daily — sometimes even hourly — drink from God’s Word; the Living Water.  

 

Like a glass of ice cold water during a scorching summer day, the Living Water cools us, refreshes us, and gives us strength to go back out into the “heat” of the battle.

 

Not drinking enough of this life-giving Water might produce “spiritual dehydration.” If your soul is feeling a little sluggish, perhaps you need to spend more time drinking from the fountain of Living Water?

 

What does it mean to be truly thirsty?

 

All of us have experienced thirst. First thing in the morning, we wet our mouths, dry from a night without water. A long car trip may require you to hold off on drinking in order to minimize stops; and oh, how we long for something we can’t have! Athletes guzzle water after a workout, pouring it over their heads to cool down. (Maybe you even feel a bit thirsty after reading an article about water?)

 

In reality, those of us in developed nations have no idea what it means to be truly thirsty. The United Nations reported that 783 million people across the globe do not have access to safe, clean drinking water. Furthermore, in developing nations, as much as 80% of illnesses are related to poor drinking water and unsanitary conditions. That is an astounding number!

 

Yes, we experience occasional thirst, but we know where to get water and have easy access to it. For these precious souls in poverty-stricken areas, their thirst is deep, desperate, and insatiable. Many of them must carry water for miles and miles. Often, this water is murky and contaminated by human and animal waste. They long for a drink of clear, pure water, but instead, must settle for stagnant, foul-smelling water. They drink because it’s all they have, recognizing that it will probably make them sick, but having no other choice.

Truly, these souls are thirsty.

 

Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters:

 

Have you ever been spiritually thirsty? Not a casual, “I think I need a drink,” but a heart’s cry that says, “God, I THIRST!!!” A desperate longing coming forth from parched lips that cries out for Living Water!

 

Tragedy. Broken relationships. Unanswered prayers. The death of a loved one. Emptiness inside. Doubt and confusion. Many situations in life can cause us to implore the Holy Spirit for Water. Like the precious poverty-stricken souls who cry out for water, so we cry out to our Father in Heaven. And when we do, He is faithful to hear us and will quench our deepest thirst!

 

When the poor and needy seek water and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

Isaiah 41:17

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Rebecca Bauman is a happily-married, stay at home mom to four beautiful daughters. Before entering motherhood, she worked as a registered nurse. Although she hopes to pursue nursing again in the future, she feels blessed to be able to enjoy this time with her girls. She loves a good cup of coffee, (well, LOTS of coffee), spending time with friends and family, laughing, and fresh air. For now, in between “mommy moments,” she hopes to develop her writing in order to bless and encourage other women, particularly in the areas of health, fitness, and well-being.

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