The dog days of summer are upon us, as the warmest weather of August arrives.  These days are filled with temperatures nearing 100 degrees, sending everyone looking for a cool place to relax.  While adults seek shelter in the air conditioned indoors or under a large shade tree, children look for the cold refreshing feel of splashing water.

They may find it at their local swimming pools, in their front yard water sprinklers, or if they are lucky, a small pond on the outskirts of town.  Whatever their discovery of water, they all know the same truth, during these hot days of August any kind of splashing water feels great.

This past Sunday, the sermon came from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah.  The prophet was preaching to a people distraught by their circumstances.  The scorching heat of exile was parching their souls, so they were needing something to provide them spiritual refreshment.

Jeremiah offers (17:7), “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream.  It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.”

We all need the fresh waters of heaven from time to time.  Life can get so draining.  The heat from life’s pressures can mount up, sending us into a spiritual exhaustion as though the August heat conspired with life to make things even hotter than usual.  During those times, remember we have the ability to be nurtured.  We have at our disposal the cool waters that infuse the soul and refresh the spirit.

These cool waters come in many different vessels, but they all quench our thirsts.  Prayer, worship, Scripture, and good relationships are but a few vessels from which the heavenly waters pour out.  These waters encourage us, inspires us, and offer us hope to press forward through the heat.

So whatever your vessel might be, find the living waters that Christ provides and drink up.  Summer is almost over and a new season is close at hand.

Facebook Comments