Too Much Debris Clogging Up Your Life?

By Lucinda Secrest McDowell | July 6, 2021 |

He was just an old man people rarely saw.

A quiet forest dweller, he lived up in the Alps and was known by his task as “the keeper of the spring.”

This mountain man had been hired many years earlier by an Austrian village council to clear away the debris from the pools of water that fed the lovely spring flowing through their town. With faithful, silent regularity his work helped make the village become a popular tourist destination.

Years later, when the town council reviewed the budget, they questioned the expense of the keeper’s salary. “How important could this obscure man be?” So they dispensed with his seemingly unnecessary services.

By early autumn the trees began to shed their leaves. Small branches snapped off and fell into the pools, hindering the rushing flow of water. A slimy film covered sections of the water along the banks and a foul odor was detected. Swans and tourists left; disease and sickness arrived.

Embarrassed, the council called a special meeting. Realizing their gross error in judgment, they hired back the old keeper of the spring and within a few weeks, the river began to clear up. [adapted from a story by Peter Marshall in “Mr. Jones, Meet the Master,” 1950]

Friends, we too are in desperate need of such springs of living water.

What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings. They will continue to grow stronger. Psalm 84:5-7

Do you long for refreshment today?

It will never happen unless we also give attention to that which clogs our souls and chokes our minds and hearts. Just as the keeper of the spring had a daily job to do, so must we as keepers of our souls.

Strengthen ourselves through daily time in prayer and God’s Word. Keep short accounts by confessing sin each day and receiving a cleansing forgiveness from God. This keeps the flow going so that our strength comes from the Lord.

Have you allowed your soul and heart to become clogged?

So did God’s people long ago. God lamented (through His prophet Jeremiah) the choices of Israel: My people have committed two crimes: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water. And they have dug wells, broken wells that can’t hold water. Jeremiah 2.13

Not only had they given up on God, who promised them life-sustaining water. But they had decided that something else — broken cisterns — would be where they placed their hope.

Come to the waters, friend.

Benediction: My child, do you sometimes feel as though you are leaking? That perhaps you have indeed placed your hopes and faith in other cisterns – other sources? Please remember that I am the One who can bring springs into dry, parched desert places. And I promise to do that if you will just seek My face. Know that our relationship takes care. Keep it clear and free flowing. I will refresh and restore.
Lucinda Secrest McDowell in “Dwelling Places”

May the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the friendship of the Holy Spirit bring you comfort and strength, Lucinda

“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity and Strength”

Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” She has authored 15 books including “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” and “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most.” She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and shares encouraging words at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com

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