37 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” – John 7:37-38

As athletes, we know the importance of staying hydrated before workouts, practices, and games. If we are not hydrated, we cannot play to our potential and not nearly as long. Without water, our bodies cramp up or we get dehydration headaches that make it difficult to be at our best. In the same way, there are many times where we feel spiritually exhausted and dry. I’ve certainly been there before. One thing I have learned in life is that staying spiritually hydrated is just as important, if not much more, as staying physically hydrated.

Are you spiritually hydrated right now? More than that, do you feel like “rivers of living water” are flowing from your heart? Throughout His ministry, Jesus used water imagery to speak of the Holy Spirit whom He promises to those who believe in Him. Among the many gifts and products of God’s presence in our lives, one is that the Holy Spirit satisfies and sustains us; or in other words, it keeps us spiritually hydrated.

The fact of the matter is we need God’s presence in our lives. Thankfully, Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit to live within us throughout our days. Unfortunately, many of us walk around dehydrated, never centering our lives or days on the presence of God within us. Instead of abiding in the Holy Spirit and being refreshed, we spend our time in other things hoping they will hydrate our souls. Many products claim to satisfy and hydrate our souls other than the Spirit; however, just like our bodies were made to be hydrated with water, our souls were made to be hydrated by the Holy Spirit. Wherever you find yourself today, Jesus is patiently and graciously calling you to be still and be hydrated by His presence. Will you answer Him?

  • Prayerfully reflect on God’s presence, the Holy Spirit, within you.
  • Ask God to make you more aware of His presence in your life.
  • Ask God to satisfy and hydrate your soul.