Spiritual Restoration

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Spiritual Restoration by Muriel Larson

“Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart’ ” –Jesus (John 7:37-38, NLB).

In his fascinating book on nature’s wonders, “Don Coyote,” Dayton Hyde wrote about a dry canyon on his ranch. While sitting on the canyon rim, he glanced down and spotted a grooved stone. He recognized it as an Indian fishnet weight.

Glancing down the canyon wall he saw a stratum of diatomaceous earth. This told him that once an inland sea may have covered this land. With his sons’ help and some big equipment he built a dam. When the snows on higher ground began to melt in the spring, water filled the valley. Before long, various birds and other wild life filled the area. Thus the water brought life to a dry canyon, thanks to one small clue and an observant, wise man.

Has your life ever felt “dry”?

I felt this way after going through a difficult time in my life. At a Christian conference I attended several months later, however, the fellowship I found there was like the fishnet weight that led to a dry canyon becoming fertile.

The Holy Spirit renewed me. The living water provided by His renewal once again flowed, and I rejoiced! And I was back to looking to the Lord and depending on Him no matter what.

Going through a traumatic experience of any kind may sometimes cause us to take our eyes off the Lord, to lose faith, to grieve the Holy Spirit with continuing feelings of anger, resentment, and bitterness. This in turn leads us to worldly thinking and temptations to sin.

Through the centuries God has used His faithful people to help others who have lost their way in the arid land of the world. To stay full of the living water of life we should wisely, regularly take in the water of God’s Word through reading it and hearing it.

Some Scriptures are especially good at reviving us. I have found that Ephesians 1 and 2 lifts me up. Romans 8 gives me proper perspective. Here the Spirit of God assures me: “Have faith–God will work all things together for good!” Philippians 4 has strengthened my faith as I’ve practiced its advice. I know many people have been heartened by the message of peace, joy, and love given in John 14 through 17.

Many psalms are wonderful faith and rivers-of-living-water restorers. I especially love Psalms 23, 31, 34, 37, 40, 46, 51, 103, 139, and 145. And if we pray Psalm 51 humbly and sincerely, as David did, it will restore to us the joy of our salvation

~Lord, Refresh my soul today. Draw me close to You. I need You. In Jesus’ name, amen

Questions: Are you spiritually dry today? How about answering His gracious invitation and coming back to Him for grace, hope, and joy?

Choose one or two of the above Scriptures to read several times this week and focus on what God is saying to you through it.