Having grown up in a taxidermy shop, one of my lifelong dreams is to take an African safari to see the variety and abundance of game and to experience all that continent has to offer. I recently visited with a friend who has been on two such trips and admired his mounted cape buffalo, kudu, warthog and other amazing trophies. During his sixty years in the business, Dad mounted a few African heads including a cape buffalo and a beautiful sable antelope. Of course John Coffman’s recent articles in this paper have also heightened my interest! Maybe some day.
Those who have been on safaris have described their experiences in vivid detail including the outstanding guides, comfortable accommodations and the diversity of species observed. One phenomenon that sometimes aids hunters is the watering hole. These natural or manmade oases provide the much needed liquid of life for all animals as well as a respite from the intense heat through bathing.
Although all animals need water including those in this country, the daily requirement is more pronounced in the dry climate of much of Africa. Many mammals and birds in North America are able to supply all their water needs by eating vegetation thus eliminating the need to actually trek to a stream or pond each day. While it’s important to have water available in the habitat, animals here are much less likely to follow daily watering routines like those there.
These African watering holes remind me of our daily need for spiritual sustenance. Just as all living things require water on a regular basis, so too our souls require living water if we are to survive spiritually. In Psalm 63:1, David cries out, “My soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
Such a yearning plea not only brings to mind the arid African climate, but also the moral and cultural environment in which we live. With the constant barrage of negative news, discouraging reports, and depressing evil, it’s hard not to give up hope and perish. Which is why we need to visit the watering hole on a daily basis.
God’s Word quenches the thirsty heart and refreshes the parched spirit. But we have to partake. The ancient discipline of spending time in God’s presence each day through devotions or quiet time is essential to stave off dehydration and death. Reading, reflecting, and meditating on a portion of Scripture daily restores and revitalizes our inner beings that we might not only survive but thrive.
Of course part of every quiet time should include a good long talk with our Savior. Share with Him what’s on your heart and mind and invite Him into your joys as well as your concerns. Invite His wisdom and guidance in your life to avoid the vicious “hunters” who seek to destroy you and the traps laid by the Devil to ensnare and imprison.
It was at Daniel’s daily visit to his watering hole of prayer where he got arrested and tossed into a den of beasts, the species of which I’d like to hunt. And while it may seem this predictable habit was his downfall, it actually provided him with the courage and faith to face down not only those lions but also his vicious accusers.
Worship is another watering hole we should visit each week. Not only does this give us a good drink of Scripture, prayer, and song, but it’s also a great place to catch up with our fellow pilgrims and encourage and love each other. If we neglect weekly worship or daily devotions, our souls will shrivel and dry up. But as we participate and partake in both, Jesus promised to supply us with living water that will refresh us and flow out of us to bless others.
As we envision the watering holes in the African bush, may they remind us of our great need to drink deeply of God’s Word each day. Blessings, George
