Hydrate

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word “hydrate”? I hope you think of the most obvious answer: WHERE’S MY STANDLEY! Oh, sorry, is that too hipster? I’m guilty of buying a Standley, but in my defense, when I purchased mine, I literally did it because I saw that it was 40oz with a handle, and in my season of life, I was getting around with a walker and carrying a water bottle was difficult so having a handle was so accessible! Now that I’m finished defending my Standley purchase and moving on to the honest answer: Water. Hydration is so essential for our bodies. It helps with organ function, temperature regulation, cognitive function, and many other valuable reasons we need to drink water. When people ask you if you drink enough water, what is your answer? Most people need to drink more water because oftentimes we’d rather drink delicious beverages, we’d like to consume first rather than water. You are probably reading, thinking where is this blog going? When did Embracebravery become a health blog? As you can tell from my writing, I’m a visual person, and being an early childhood teacher, I like to give illustrations to get you thinking!

We know we should stay hydrated with water.
We also know we should spend more time listening to the Holy Spirit.
Have you paid attention to the hydration of your spirit?

We understand that we have the Holy Spirit to access, but when discouraged, drained with dread, or dealing with a hard decision, do you “drink” from the well of discernment? In honesty, most of us would much rather have that caffeine buzz of what the Holy Spirit told us years ago that sounded good than spend time hydrating and being renewed with fresh revelation.

Remember when I listed how water hydration helps our body? There are ways we don’t see, but when we do drink water, it hits many vital areas that need a refresh. Well, the Holy Spirit does that in our lives, too. I see the Holy Spirit as an Organ; it carries nutrients to our cells and removes waste from our bodies. Listening to the Holy Spirit can guide us (nutrients) for our next decision and speak straight to our hearts when we are discouraged. When faced with dread or discomfort, the Holy Spirit helps us discern what is good and needs to be moved on. (Waste)

When we stop drinking water, we become dehydrated. The number one symptom of dehydration is headache, which tells a lot about the body. When we do not care for our bodies, our mind becomes discombobulated. When our spirit is dehydrated, it becomes discombobulated, and we feel disengaged from something we once had such strong convictions about, which is now foggy.

So, how do we rehydrate? We start with repentance and ask the Holy Spirit to fill us and renew our hearts. Take the time to be still and listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying. Be patient with your actions and words, and remember that you do not need all the answers right away. When we trust in His timing and allow the Holy Spirit to move, it will be in His perfect timing.

After reading this, you might wonder, am I hydrated or dehydrated? Only you and the Holy Spirit can figure that out, so grab your preferred drinking cup, fill it with ice and water, and find a place to start drinking!