5th June 2025

I’m about to hit the twelve-gallon mark of blood/platelet donations – when giving a pint at a time, it takes years. I hope to make it to 100 donations by next year. A needle in the arm is always a little bit anxiety-producing, but one thing always makes it easier – being well-hydrated. Drinking lots of water for two days leading up to the donation makes all the difference in the ease and speed. 

Most of us walk around a bit on the dehydrated side. It might also be true that we walk around a little low on the living water of the Holy Spirit. I’m not saying we should ask to be filled in the same way we drink water because it doesn’t work like that. In Ephesians 5:18, we are told to not be drunk with wine, but to be filled with the Spirit, followed by how to do that: to speak to each other in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making music to the Lord from our hearts, and also to be thankful. Galatians 5:16 tells us to walk in the Spirit. 

We can’t fill ourselves with the Spirit, but walking in the Spirit, relying on and trusting him all through each day, puts us in the right mindset. It takes focus, intention and training ourselves to set our minds on things above, rather than on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). 

Being hydrated with the living water of the Holy Spirit won’t make the needles of life hurt less, but it will reduce the anxiety and help us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the true and refreshing Living Water. 

First published on 20 May 2025, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com a personal blog which is not sponsored by Grace Communion International.

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