What do you think of when you hear the word “guide”? Do you think of a person who is full of insights in regard to a specific region that you are visiting? Do you think of a safety fence on a sharp tool? What about a text that leads you step by step in the successful implementation of a new gadget or a complex recipe? Whatever comes to mind as you think of this word, it is sure to be one that is a catalyst that brings about something better. The possibility of some type of insight to be given ahead of your going forward in order to bring about a more favorable outcome is what is associated with “following a guide”.

Thinking of this word in the context of chapters of life that we have lived through, life today, and whatever we anticipate living through, may invoke a variety of different ideas and pictures.

It is a very interesting word in the Hebrew language - “nachah”. It is a positive, life-giving picture that it sketches. In the Bible, specifically, it almost always refers to someone that leads another to water. The one who is a guide goes before others, clears a path, and calls out to instruct them to follow.

Water is a commodity that is essential for life, especially in an arid climate. Even the very cells of our own bodies are primarily water, and it is a vital life sustaining resource and quite valuable. In some regions that experience severe drought, it is a truly priceless gift to be led to the source of clean, potable water. Water also represents washing, healing, and provision. So many beneficial gifts from this simple element. If you cannot find it to partake of it, life ceases to exist.

Following the guide is the key to life literally.

When Jesus started teaching and calling the disciples to a new way of life, it was beside a sea! When He wanted to teach the crowd that had gathered, He got in Peter’s boat and had him push out into the water. In the ancient Jewish history, GOD Himself went before the nation as a guide and led them through a great sea outside of Egypt. In their “wanderings” He continually reminded them that He was leading them (cloud by day, pillar of fire by night) through the desert to the Jordan River. Here again His Presence held back the water during its flood stage in order to allow the people to walk into their promise!

Over and over leading others to water equates to leading them to hope and renewed life! A transition of life-giving promise, deeper trust in The Guide, and greater wisdom for the life to come (both immediate and future). It is no different today. Science itself has shown the effects on a person after being led to a body of water which has the ability to reset heart rhythms, relieve stress, bring clarity, balance emotions, stimulate creativity, and encourage joyfulness.

USA today even printed a finding on Nov 13, 2017, that confirmed this response goes deep into our neurological processes: “This deep biological connection has been shown to trigger an immediate response in our brains when we’re near water. In fact, the mere sight and sound of water can induce a flood of neurochemicals that promote wellness, increase blood flow to the brain and heart and induce relaxation.”

With this in mind. Choose to allow yourself to be led to a body of water to either stroll alongside it or sit, watch, and listen as your whole being soaks in its transforming effects. We want to encourage you to take this time routinely. Be mindful each time you do. Notice how you are physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually refreshed and invigorated to proceed to a greater level of living.

As you do this wellness activity, you will become aware that your thoughts are more creative, and you hear more clearly. You may physically feel lighter and quicker as well. May this be enough to spur us on to be quicker to follow those promptings immediately, and always be willing to be led to places that refresh and rewire our brains to thrive, not simply survive. Our choices are ripples of encouragement to those watching and following our steps.

Eternal benefits come from the conscious decision to carve out a quiet space in life. It can become a space for the voice and instructions of The Perfect Guide, (given freely to us by Yahweh - the Holy Spirit) to speak and lead us to the source of eternal springs of living water: Jesus Himself! Then truly unexplainable life transformation begins to occur. The flood of perfect love, grace, and Truth begins to, layer by layer, wash off the lies we believe about ourselves, others, and lots of things in this life. We are freed to think differently, in more life-giving and loving ways, courageously without fear. Walking in step with Him washes our eyes to see more clearly and cleans our ears to hear the whisper of His timely direction to turn to the right or the left and climb unhindered into new adventures, enveloped by peace, on the path that leads to a stream that makes glad, and heals the nations of the world.