We appreciate the warmth of the sun—its health benefits for our bodies, and the energy it imparts to plants. But even though God has perfectly distanced it from Earth, there are times when the heat is just too much!

Heat waves leave us sweaty, sticky, and lethargic. Abundant sun can burn our skin, sear our plants, and scorch our forests.

Emotional heat waves have a similar impact. The heat of tension triggers our tempers. The heat of anger becomes explosive. The heat of pressures robs us of wisdom. The heat of trials sparks panic.

In both types of heat wave, a long, cool drink of water goes a long way in lowering our temperature. Physically, water is crucial for rehydration, regulates body temperature, and is readily available. Emotionally, the process of pouring the water, adding some ice and lemon, and slowly sipping a full glass can serve to calm us and give us pause to process our thoughts.

The best water is found in the spiritual realm. Jesus offers us water that can quench our thirst and satisfy our souls. Longing and frustration, fear and anxiety can be assuaged by Jesus’ living water. I say it “can” quench because it’s not a magic potion to be swallowed without appreciation. Our thirst will only be satisfied when we pause, delight in the water of life, and surrender ourselves to God, frequently stilling our hearts before Him to drink in His words.

If you find yourself in a personal heat wave, I invite you to respond to Jesus’ invitation in John 10:14:

Those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again.
It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.