Isaiah 41:18 “I will open up rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land springs of water.”

Winter in the Sheridan household brings about a struggle with dry skin. The beautiful and toasty fire from our wood burning stove comes with a price. The dry heat is very warm and toasty, but it sucks all the moisture out of the air and everything in the near vicinity. 

I didn’t realize how much of a problem this dry heat was becoming until one day soon after we purchased our Amish-made dining room table. One day while dusting I noticed that a huge crack was beginning to split the beautiful oak wood. The incessant heat had dried out the glue used to join the wood pieces and an ugly, jagged crack had formed. 

I was, of course, pretty upset and immediately looked into a solution for this problem. Dad and I quickly purchased a humidifier, which helps to regulate the moisture level in the room and corrects it when it becomes too dry by blowing a mist of water into the air. This new machine made all the difference in the furniture and our skin. I wish I had thought of that sooner.

There are times when more than our skin can feel dry. Sometimes the heat of difficult experiences and trials reaches deep into one’s heart and soul. The pressures and problems that life sometimes brings can threaten to cause the glue that holds everything together to crack. Even those with the strongest faith can experience the fiery darts of the evil one penetrating the tenderest parts of their being. 

The book of Isaiah prophesies about a time when Israel would experience terrible times. Foreign nations would conquer them and take the people into exile, and yet God promised that He would help them. He said, “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open up rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys, I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.”

What an encouragement it is to know that God will provide everything His people need. Keep that in mind when you feel the heat of your circumstances threatening to dry out the glue that usually holds you together. Seek Him through the humidifier of His Word when you believe you are going to crack. He will be faithful to open up a river that will flow into your dry soul and revive your wilting spirit.

Love,

Mama