Hydor... for a Parched and Dusty Soul

John 14:4:  "But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.

Today as I was reading my devotional from The Daily Bread (one of my favorites), they highlighted John 14:4 and spoke of Jesus, and the Living Water He offers us… we, who pant with parched souls of longing (Psalm 42:1-2).

When I awoke this morning the desiccated air from the home heater made my face, hands and throat arid… tight and almost painful.  I literally doused myself with lotion and moisturizer to alleviate the dehydrated-old-kitchen-sponge-like layers of epidermis cells tightening around my bones.  I gazed out the window and watched as rains continued to pour down, having begun their watery dance last night, gently tapping out a pitter-pat window pane lullabye.

Here I stood inside a fortress of concrete and humidity-barren heat, surrounded by water… and dry as a bone. 

Far too often I must confess this scene has been a visual depiction of my spiritual life.  I am surrounded by Christ, Who offers me “hydor” – the Greek word for water in John 4:14.  Hydor, waters of the deluge, water out of and through which the world that was before the flood.  Hydor, from which is easily seen the root for the word hydrate.  My hard and crusty soul sits ready to crack from lack of the spiritual stream of Living Water right within my reach.  I can drink and bathe and soak in Christ, immersed in His word, swimming in His love if only I will seek Him and come to Him.  He beckons me to dive in and be utterly saturated.

But instead, I smile and wave and run past – “Oh sorry, Christ, slept late… too busy.. things to do.  I’ll pray to You in the car as I commute, okay?”  Or, “I’ll catch You at bedtime prayers (which are interrupted or circumvented by my dropping into bed, barely enough energy to turn out the light, let alone read and pray).”  I trudge along in my daily dusty desert, increasingly worn and soul-thirsty, wondering why I feel so dry inside. 

Today I stepped outside and allowed the rain to wash over me, droplets splashing over my welcoming upturned face.  Today I stopped everything, and allowed His Living Water to hydrate my being, until I was spirit-logged and soul-soaked.  I am softened… I am satisfied... I am quenched... by My Jesus.  

Come to Me

Matthew 11:28 "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." 

I have read this verse so many times, especially when I was tired and needed rest.  But this morning, as I was spending devotional time with God, what hit me fresh in the face was the image of Jesus.  He stands in front of me, stretching out his nail-pierced hand, and with unspeakable tenderness and love whispers, "Come to Me..."  I find myself catching my breath and feeling tears streaming down my face.

Jesus, Lord of the Universe, Creator of Heaven and Earth, wants me. 

We all want to be loved and cherished.  We all want to belong to someone and share our lives in love.  How often do we watch as the media shows as a man kneels down, hand outstretched to the woman he loves, asking her for her hand in marriage?  Isn't a woman's heart meant to be thrilled by that kind of love?

And yet here I am, faced with the reality that Jesus Himself is asking me to be His bride - to come to Him and let Him love me forever.  To be wrapped up in His loving arms for all eternity.  He will never leave me, never divorce me, never hurt me.  I can be myself with Him, because He always knows the good/bad/ugly of me.  I don't have to pretend to be perfect, or worry about saying the wrong thing and feeling vulnerable and foolish and scared in His presence. 

He will always be there to listen, to encourage, to share His wisdom for my life.  He will protect me, be my ultimate knight in shining armor and love me unconditionally and sacrifically... always.  He laid down His life for me already... and conquered death... for me.  For me...

Jesus, as I write this with the tears blurring my vision, I once again say yes.  In my head I see myself resting my head against You as You wrap your arms around me and hold me close.  Draw me close to you... never let me go...

I love You.