Waterless & Wilting

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’”

John 7:37-38 LSB

Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst—ever; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” John 4:10

Though most of my garden flower and vegetable plants are on a drip irrigation system, there are still some that I must water with a hose regularly, some even daily. By August, I’ve watered so frequently that I sometimes forget which plants need water as the watering sessions blur together, yet my plants remind me that they need water with not so subtle wilting leaves and drooping stems.

As plants need physical water to survive and thrive, so our spiritual lives need consistent spiritual water that Jesus provides. In Scripture, Jesus promises the water of spiritual life in Him. Just as my plants and I need physical water daily, our spiritual life depends on our relationship with God to live and grow. Not watering my soul with God’s Presence and Word is significantly more detrimental than not watering my plants. That time spent at the feet of Jesus in prayer, Bible study, fellowship, service, and even simple silence…is what allows my soul to thrive and grow. 

If you are a gardener, remember to water your plants regularly. And, for everyone, remember to spend time with our loving God!