Apparently, one of the reasons that people put on weight is a failure to distinguish between thirst and hunger. Someone who is a bit dehydrated will feel a bit dizzy and maybe have a rumbling tummy, and will think that what they need is some food and so they go and get a snack.
I think that this is true, because I do it often! When I’ve got a full diary, I am very aware that I want to be at my best for everyone that I meet. If I feel a bit light-headed, I tend to assume that my blood sugar is getting low, and that I need to eat something to keep me going. Or, I grab some coffee. (I love coffee!) Either way, it makes me feel better for the next half hour, and so I’m able to keep connecting with people even through the low points of each day.
The truth is that I quite often have whole weeks like this. As time goes by, I feel more and more lethargic, and I resort to more and more coffee and biscuits, in order to keep me going.
Then, at some point, the thought will occur, “Perhaps I’m a bit dehydrated”. Usually, it occurs somewhere below my consciousness, as a vague awareness that maybe I should drink some water. Usually, by the next day, I have realised what I really need to do, and I drink water like a camel. I don’t feel better within the next half hour, but I feel great by the end of the day. More energetic. Sharper thinking.
I don’t know how typical I am in this, or whether or not you’ll be able to relate! I’m writing about it because I think it may be a picture of many people’s spiritual lives.
At times, we become spiritually parched and yet fail to recognise this as the underlying cause of our weakness. Instead, we look for a quick ‘pick-me-up’ to keep us going. It might be coffee or chocolate, but it might also be watching TV or going shopping or perhaps something sexual. We think that those things will get us through the day, and actually they do get us through most days. But the underlying lethargy and weakness continues and deepens.
What we need is living water. I recommend going to Jesus and asking him to fill your soul. Drink like a camel!