October 24, 2019

Pointing to refreshment, even when they are not thirsty

Brady Robinson

Brady Robinson

Brady Robinson

brobinson@newalbanypresbyterian.org

One of my favorite things in this world happens after a hard fought game of basketball or after hiking a tough and long path. It’s that first drink of water. There is nothing quite as refreshing as that to me. In that moment, that drink tastes even better than a steak cooked to perfection. There are days where I do not drink nearly enough water as it is easy to forget, especially when I do not feel the need, but I know the moment I do that water will never let me down. From an early age, every sports practice I ever attended or every time I was using a lot of energy, either a coach or a parent would tell me many times to make sure I am drinking enough water. They repeated this over and over and over again. They always wanted me to know that no matter what, I needed that water, even when I did not feel like I needed it. And, in the moments I needed it they wanted to make sure I knew exactly where to run for refreshment.

I remember on various trips to the zoo my mom handing me water and saying, “here, drink.” I would argue. I would look at her and basically tell her that I was not thirsty, I would do it soon, or that I recently took a drink. And yet, even though I assured her I would continue to drink, she still faithfully would remind me to drink water. Here is the thing: She knew how important it was that I drink water. It is one of (if not the) most important things we put in our bodies, so she was going to keep telling me to drink it. We know that we should keep telling kids to drink their water, yet when it comes to where they get their ultimate refreshment, we often shrink back.

Where do we point our kids toward as the greatest source of true refreshment? Do our lives suggest that refreshment is found in retirement? Sports? Money? Success?

Where do we point our kids toward as the greatest source of true refreshment? Do our lives suggest that refreshment is found in retirement? Sports? Money? Success? I know it can be a struggle getting kids to church, youth group, and involved in the life of NAPC (serving on Sundays or in Linden), but we need to keep showing them the water. They may resist and say/show that they are not interested, they may not be thirsty right now, but one day they will be. When that day comes, how will they know how to find that true refreshment? To where will they run? 

King David knew what it meant to be distressed, and in the book of Psalms he penned many Psalms of lament. These are Psalms where he cries out in distress and despair. Because he knew where to go for refreshment, he starts Psalm 42 with these words: “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” The emotion in the remainder of this Psalm is evident as David continues crying out to God. But look at those first two verses. David knew that when he needed refreshment the ultimate refresher is in the Lord. May we know this, may we show others this, and may we keep taking our kids to the true source of refreshment. 

Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Brady Robinson