The Answer for the Greener Grass

The Answer for the Greener Grass

The word for today’s blog carnival is “fences”. Immediately I thought of the saying “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence”. But I happen to deeply disagree with the sentiment. It might look that way because it’s far away. Only when we are close by we can also see all the dirt which, of course, we do not see when we look farther away. But even this is not the answer for the greener grass. The answer for the greener grass is in watering it. If we forgot to water our gardens, they will wilt, turn brown, and die. The same goes to our bodies, our relationships, even to our faith.

On the final and climactic day of the Feast, Jesus took his stand. He cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says.” (He said this in regard to the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were about to receive. The Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified.)(John 7: 37-39, MSG)

To really avoid dehydration we need to drink before we are thirsty. We need to establish watering routines that keep us well-watered. Jesus offers us living water that will keep spiritual dehydration away. We just need to remember to keep (once-opened) the vessel or spring of faith open to receive. Openness before God keeps rivers of living water flowing in our lives. Because God loves pouring out grace upon grace. An open attitude before God keeps us in green pastures and we will lack nothing.

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
(Psalm 23: 1-3, NIV)

 

Gracious God,
Thank you for offering us living water.
We so need it!
Keep us well-watered!
Help us to establish watering routines.
Enable us to keep our vessels open to you.
May Thy will be done in our lives.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: What are your watering routines?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you learn to keep yourself spiritually hydrated!

This post is part of One Word at a Time: Fences blog carnival! Check out the other posts!

Photo courtesy of Jared Rarick

15 thoughts on “The Answer for the Greener Grass

  1. I love the way John 7:37 points out that when we drink from the Living Water, the steams of His waters actually flow from within him.  And we do need to keep drinking.  Why is it that we rarely go without drinking water but it is so easy to go a day without drinking from the Living Water?  I think that is one of Satan’s strongest ploys against our lives.

    1. Yes! Drinking from the Living Water is at least as necessary as drinking water to hydrate our bodies! And keeping us from doing that is a sure way to weaken our faith. Let’s not give in for Satan’s ploys! Hence “watering routines! Thank you, Shanda, for sharing your thoughts. Abundant blessings to you, sis!

  2. I’m trying to get back into a better watering routine this week. It’s been a crazy summer and has gotten me off my little schedule (which isn’t all bad!). But I need that daily watering of sitting quietly with the Lord and immersing myself in his word. Thanks for the encouragement I find here.

    1. Thank you, Lisa! It is crazy how in summertime it can be much harder to find time for a regular watering routine! But like you said….being off routines is a blessing, too. But we can’t live without the Living Water! May God refresh your soul in special and meaningful ways!

    2. Thank you, Lisa! It is crazy how in summertime it can be much harder to find time for a regular watering routine! But like you said….being off routines is a blessing, too. But we can’t live without the Living Water! May God refresh your soul in special and meaningful ways!

  3. I love this post! And, I love the way you pointed out that by the time we are actually experiencing symptoms of thirst, we are already in a dehydrated state.  SO often, we seek the Lord as a last option when times of drought envade our life. How we need to stay filled to overflowing with His Spirit and His word, so when the dry times come, we have a reservoir ready to tap into and sustain us. Great post!

  4. I like that: “drink before you are thirsty.”  It’s such a good statement.  My life is in a different place with my last child entering college.  I have time throughout my day to stop at the “watering hole” and be refreshed.  I think the seasons of life dictate some of our routine.  Such a well written post.

    I hope your day has been crowned with peace.Pamela

    1. Thank you, Pamela! Yes, life can be very hectic with small kids around! Glad to hear you have more time to stop at the “watering hole” these days! It does make all the difference! May you be blessed beyond your wildest dreams as you enter this new season of life!

  5. These words spoke to me, “To really avoid dehydration we need to drink before we are thirsty. We
    need to establish watering routines that keep us well-watered.”  Beautiful truth!  Stopping by from Finding Heaven today.  Many blessings!

  6. You are so correct that the grass on the other side of the fence only appears greener!  Then to keep our grass green it must be watered.  Love your examples of our Spiritual Water that flows like a river out from us to the world as we live for Jesus.  Yet we come back daily to drink and be refreshed from that well.

  7. My watering routine is to be in the Word every single day.  I’ve been reading the Bible in One Year and the days that I don’t read it, I thirst for it greatly.  So glad you linked up to SDG.  You have a beautiful blog!

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