“The poor and needy seek water, but there is none, their tongues fail for thirst.
I, the LORD, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
I will open rivers in desolate heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys;
I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.”
~ Isaiah 41:17-18

It’s summer and it’s hot. The heat is a stressor. And in the midst of the stress, fresh water is a blessing and a necessity. Fresh. Water. I was reminded of this need for fresh water three times in one morning. First, my “spoiled” sheltie dog had a bowl of water which she wouldn’t touch until I refilled it with “fresh water”. Then she greedily lapped it up. Second, my front garden which has been bearing the brunt of long, hot and sunny days has been in danger of wilting and dying. I must water it daily to keep it from shriveling up and becoming an unsightly mess of brown specters: reminders of the plants that once were. The fresh water is a requirement for the health and growth and lushness of both the well-established plantings and the newcomers. Third, my garden has a birdbath and the water evaporates daily. I must refill it daily with fresh water. It’s the clear, cool, fresh water that attracts the birds and refreshes them in their daily ablutions. And so, what about us? We desperately need fresh water…a spiritual provision from God that keeps our souls refreshed, growing, healthy, satisfied and alive.

“O God…I’m thirsty! The days are long and my soul is stressed. Lord, water me. Bring back the health and growth that come with being well-watered. Daily, Lord…fresh water on my parched ground. Revive, refresh…”

“But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” ~ John 4:14 (words of Jesus)