"Taking God's availability for granted..." This is so easy to do for those of us who grew up in the church. Thank you for this reminder as I travel through this Lenten season.
This landed with both honesty and kindness. The “water bottle with my name laminated on it” detail made me smile, because it’s so human: we can have what we need within arm’s reach and still drift into depletion.
Your question, “Where else is this true?” is the perfect pivot, because spiritual dehydration is often less about rebellion and more about neglect. Not because God is far, but because our attention is scattered. And Acts 17:26–28 confronts the lie at the center of so much fatigue: God is not hiding from us. We don’t “work Him up.” We return to Him.
What I appreciate most is how practical this is. Like hydration, “spiritual hydration” usually isn’t one dramatic moment; it’s small, faithful sips:
A Psalm before the day starts (not to perform, but to be re-centered).
A 30-second “Lord, I’m here” breath prayer between tasks.
Scripture intake that isn’t only for crisis, but for communion.
Obedience in the ordinary (because obedience keeps the channel clear).
Jesus’ invitation is still simple and direct: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37). And He doesn’t shame thirsty people, He satisfies them.
So yes, physical hydration matters. But your deeper point is even more life-giving: many of us are trying to “live and move and have our being” while forgetting the 'In Him' part. Thank you for the nudge to stop normalizing dryness as if it’s maturity.
Here’s to 2026: fewer spiritual headaches, less fog, more clarity; not by striving harder, but by drinking deeper.
I really liked the analogy of physical dehydration and spiritual dehydration. You're so right...operating in either or both, has consequences to our well-being.
This is a great piece! I too do not like to drink H2O. I have to buy a $34 canister of hydration powder to add to my H2O to force me to drink it! I love the parallel to spiritual hydration and it makes 100% sense! I will be saving this article. Thank you again
I can understand how you might neglect drinking water, especially in our modern world of homes with controlled climate. It’s easy to get caught up in daily activities and forget to take a drink of water occasionally.
I grew up in a different world; I’m 79 and I spent most of my first 15 years on a farm. Cooling in summer was from the SE wind and water came from a well. And when I spent time on my grandparents’ farm, that well was spring fed and we had to draw the water up in a bucket. There’s nothing so refreshing as a deep drink from that bucket after a long morning working in the field.
Similarly, there’s nothing like a long drink of God’s Word in the morning when I get up now. I have made it a habit to read five chapters every day; I start in Genesis and continue through Revelation, going back to Genesis to start the trip over.
I highly recommend anyone who is thirsty to try it. And keep a container of filtered water handy.
This is really put together, thank you for helping me realize this. It’s such an obvious thing but it’s good when we remind eachother of such obvious truths that we sometimes lose grip on
Amen, brother! I remember realizing one day that I was treating God like a dispenser of batteries. I would handle my life in my own power until I ran out and then run to God for a recharge. It dawned on me that He wanted me "plugged in" and drawing on Him moment by moment. "I Need Thee Every Hour" isn't just an old song!
Excellent points. Discipline in anything is a learned behavior, intentional. Thankfully, the more water we drink the more we want, so it does get easier.
"Taking God's availability for granted..." This is so easy to do for those of us who grew up in the church. Thank you for this reminder as I travel through this Lenten season.
My privilege 😊
Chris,
This landed with both honesty and kindness. The “water bottle with my name laminated on it” detail made me smile, because it’s so human: we can have what we need within arm’s reach and still drift into depletion.
Your question, “Where else is this true?” is the perfect pivot, because spiritual dehydration is often less about rebellion and more about neglect. Not because God is far, but because our attention is scattered. And Acts 17:26–28 confronts the lie at the center of so much fatigue: God is not hiding from us. We don’t “work Him up.” We return to Him.
What I appreciate most is how practical this is. Like hydration, “spiritual hydration” usually isn’t one dramatic moment; it’s small, faithful sips:
A Psalm before the day starts (not to perform, but to be re-centered).
A 30-second “Lord, I’m here” breath prayer between tasks.
Scripture intake that isn’t only for crisis, but for communion.
Obedience in the ordinary (because obedience keeps the channel clear).
Jesus’ invitation is still simple and direct: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37). And He doesn’t shame thirsty people, He satisfies them.
So yes, physical hydration matters. But your deeper point is even more life-giving: many of us are trying to “live and move and have our being” while forgetting the 'In Him' part. Thank you for the nudge to stop normalizing dryness as if it’s maturity.
Here’s to 2026: fewer spiritual headaches, less fog, more clarity; not by striving harder, but by drinking deeper.
Blessings,
Ze Selassie
Thank you so much for this reflection, Ze. I especially loved this line…”And He doesn’t shame thirsty people, He satisfies them.” So good and true!
Yeah, we serve a mighty and loving God! Praise Him!
🙌🙌🙌
Amen!
I really liked the analogy of physical dehydration and spiritual dehydration. You're so right...operating in either or both, has consequences to our well-being.
I’m glad it spoke to you!
This is a great piece! I too do not like to drink H2O. I have to buy a $34 canister of hydration powder to add to my H2O to force me to drink it! I love the parallel to spiritual hydration and it makes 100% sense! I will be saving this article. Thank you again
I’m so glad it spoke to you!
I can understand how you might neglect drinking water, especially in our modern world of homes with controlled climate. It’s easy to get caught up in daily activities and forget to take a drink of water occasionally.
I grew up in a different world; I’m 79 and I spent most of my first 15 years on a farm. Cooling in summer was from the SE wind and water came from a well. And when I spent time on my grandparents’ farm, that well was spring fed and we had to draw the water up in a bucket. There’s nothing so refreshing as a deep drink from that bucket after a long morning working in the field.
Similarly, there’s nothing like a long drink of God’s Word in the morning when I get up now. I have made it a habit to read five chapters every day; I start in Genesis and continue through Revelation, going back to Genesis to start the trip over.
I highly recommend anyone who is thirsty to try it. And keep a container of filtered water handy.
Such great advice! Thank you, brother!
Great word. I, too, do not see the appeal of water, lol. Unless I am very hot, then it is delicious.
lol yup!
Really enjoyed this!
This is really put together, thank you for helping me realize this. It’s such an obvious thing but it’s good when we remind eachother of such obvious truths that we sometimes lose grip on
I have to be reminded SO much! 😊
Amen, brother! I remember realizing one day that I was treating God like a dispenser of batteries. I would handle my life in my own power until I ran out and then run to God for a recharge. It dawned on me that He wanted me "plugged in" and drawing on Him moment by moment. "I Need Thee Every Hour" isn't just an old song!
I think many of us can relate to this!
Spiritually hydrated people walk around thinking they are fine every day. A great reminder to seek him first.
Thanks!
Excellent points. Discipline in anything is a learned behavior, intentional. Thankfully, the more water we drink the more we want, so it does get easier.
Thank you for that insight!