My wife and I went to lunch yesterday with a young lady from Zimbabwe. She has been living in Houston for a few years and was talking about the transition. One comment caught my attention; she mentioned that when she returns home, she has to be careful not to become dehydrated. The air is so dry that her lips crack and she has nosebleeds. Her body has gotten accustomed to the humidity of Southeast Texas and now she has to be very intentional about her water consumption when back in Zimbabwe. Environment makes a difference.

Water carries significant meaning the Bible. In desert places, people appreciate the importance of water; they understand how water allows life to flourish and its lack can mean a withering death. The writer of Psalm 1 describes a flourishing life as "like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers." (Psa 1:3) Water is essential to life. Jesus continued to use the metaphor of living water to describe the presence of God's Spirit. Being spiritually hydrated feels like life and vitality.

But do you have an environment that spiritually dehydrates you? Maybe it is in your family of origin? Or maybe it is at school or work? Perhaps it is not a location but a person for you - they drain you. The most important step in not withering is awareness. Becoming dehydrated either physically or spiritually can sneak up on you. You need to anticipate from previous life experience that you have a tendency to dry out in this environment. When you know this, be intentional about staying hydrated. Drink in what fills your soul in copious amounts. It will be life-giving and make life a whole lot better.