As liturgical dancers we need to understand the parallel of water that hydrates our bodies and the living water of the Holy Spirit that replenishes our spirit. Both are important to the function of the body as well as the spirit.

Our bodies are made up of 70 percent water. Daily, we can experience moments of thirst as we lose water from caffeinated drinks, sweating, or not drinking enough water. It is imperative that we replenish the water that we lose so that our bodies can function properly--digestion can run smoothly and our kidneys and liver can flush out toxins. Not consuming enough water can have a negative impact on your muscles, you can feel fatigued very quickly, and coordination can be reduced (which is needed to learn dance steps). During times of physical activity your body will require more water to function properly, so drink up.

In the same manner, our spirit requires the nourishment of the Holy Spirit. In the scriptures, the Holy Spirit is represented several ways. One of them is water. In the book of  John chapter 7 verses 37 through 39, Jesus is teaching about this very subject. Although His spirit had not yet been given up Jesus still admonishes the people to drink of Him so that they will never be thirsty again (spiritually speaking). Here is what the passage of scripture says:

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”  John 7:37-39. 

Staying Replenished by Water and by the Holy Spirit

Keeping the body hydrated can be as simple as drinking 8 glasses of water per day. Begin your day with drinking water upon waking. It is a convenient way to begin a regimen of drinking water. You not only get the first glass of water out of the way, it is also a beneficial way to reduce stomach acids that have been secreting all night. Those with heartburn problems are more prone to have heartburn just after waking up; therefore, drinking water after waking can help reduce the acidity associated this condition. 

Another helpful tip to getting in 8 glasses of water per day is to drink a glass of water before a meal. Doing this will help you fill fuller so that you won't eat too much during your meal; and it will help you determine if you are actually thirsty or not. Studies show that hunger and thirst can be indistinguishable. There are times when we feel hungry, but we are actually thirsty. So, if you eat 3 meals per day you can add up how many glasses of water you will be consuming. If you drink a glass upon waking and before meals you will have already drank 4 glasses of water. Now, add a glass of water with a snack and in between meals then you will complete your water regimen for the day. 

As you being to consume the proper amount of water per day, don't forget about refreshing yourself with the Word. Spending time reading the Word daily will refresh you and cleanse you. It is not necessary to complete a regimen that mimics the natural intake of 8 glasses of water per day, but it is necessary to spend time reading the Word daily and often. 

In the scriptures, Ephesians 5:26 speaks of how the husband is responsible for loving his wife so much that he sanctifies her by washing her with the water of the Word. Although this scripture speaks of the husband and wife marital relationship; it also shows how the Word of God is cleansing for the spirit. Just as it is essential to drink water in order to stay hydrated; without the Word in our lives daily we would experience as spiritual dehydration (so to speak). Getting your daily Word can be simple as listening to the scriptures on CD if you are pressed for time. It can also be as simple as making time to read a verse or a chapter a day. 


Another way to receive the refreshing of the Holy Spirit as natural water refreshes the body is to make melody in your heart and by speaking to your brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ in spiritual hymns. In other words, speak to one another about the Lord and actively have praise and worship alone, Ephesians 5:19. 

As you begin to speak about the things that God has done for you with other believers you will be encouraged. There are times in our lives when the weight of this world can become too much to bare, but when other believers are encouraging you with scripture and testimony it elevates your faith. As your faith elevates your spirit begins to feel a renewal. 

When you make melody in your heart to the Lord you are ministering to Him without anyone around. This is the key to having one on one time with the Heavenly Father. It is during these intimate times that you will feel refreshed. 

Another way to be refreshed by the Holy Spirit is by meditating on the Law. Here is what Psalms 1:2-3 says Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.