Satisfy The Thirsty

Isaiah 35:1-7

It was the hot summer of 1980. Our adventurous group rode bicycles across the United States, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. When we reached the flat state of Kansas, daytime temperatures soared to 120 degrees. The bottoms of our feet felt like they were on fire, and it was nearly impossible to get enough water to satisfy our thirst. 

When our bodies are exposed to extreme heat, we become dehydrated and thirsty. In life, circumstances (medical, financial, work, and relationships) can leave us feeling mentally, emotionally, and spiritually drained, isolated, and depleted. The “desert of life” may last for a short period of time or can extend into months and years. 

Our energy reserves run low as we walk through the desert. Some days, it's difficult to persevere when we feel tired, empty, and weighed down by despair. We strive to stay faithful but question if we have the strength to continue. But there is a day of hope and restoration coming! 

Photo by Wilfried Santer on Unsplash

The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy!

- Isaiah 35:1-2

Have you ever witnessed life spring forth in the desert after a rainstorm? It is a beautiful sight to behold! Water soaks into the dry ground, and very quickly, desert flowers appear. The prophet Isaiah tells us the parched, dry land rejoices, and there is singing and great joy. 

When you are exhausted and unable to stand on your own strength, I want to encourage you to seek a time of respite. A respite is a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant. These brief times will help sustain you and refresh your soul, mind, body, and spirit. 

Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland. The parched ground will become a pool, and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land. Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish where desert jackals once lived. 

- Isaiah 35:6-7 

Head to Heart   

Where do you turn when thirsty, lonely, discouraged, or suffering from pain? What could you do to ease or soften this burden? 

• Take time to rest (get some extra sleep) 

• Go for a walk (make note of the beauty in God’s creation)

• Schedule a personal time to worship (include music and a passage of Scripture)

Though desert times may persist for long periods in our lives, God promises flowers, singing, and great joy when we get to our eternal Home. Until then, we should regularly practice times of rest and refreshment. 

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