Dried out {living water}

Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
~ John 4:13-14

The ground was dry and parched, thirsting for rain. I noticed my flowers had started withering in the heat of the summer and I vowed to remember to water them that evening. Unfortunately for my plants, my thumb is not green in color. My poor little plants - I aim to keep them thriving and healthy but I am thrilled when I don’t kill them completely. My best intentions fall prey to my wandering focus.

Eventually I remember to care for my plants: watering, weeding, pulling off dead flowers, and clearing fallen sticks and leaves. How much easier would it be if I kept up with these things in order to keep my flowers at their healthiest?

The same is true for my spiritual life. I had been reading at least one chapter of God’s Word almost every day for quite a while, but the last month has been hit and miss. I can tell that my heart is thirsting for more. Not the dehydrated thirst of an unbelieving heart that tries to quench its longing with worldly things, but the craving of heart that has experienced growth from Jesus' living water and now feels stagnant.

I know what to do to begin that growth again: spend time with God, read His Word, pray, and mediate. Life gets busy and yet one more thing falls prey to my wandering focus. But I know this is one thing I cannot allow to slip away. I must get back on track.

Dear Father,
Thank you that your mercies are new every morning. Forgive me when my focus strays from you. Draw me ever closer to your heart, and bring me into a deeper relationship with you. Help me be a light to those around me, always displaying grace and compassion.
Amen.

Have you experienced this same thing? What do you find helps you get back on track towards spiritual maturity?