Remember English class and discussing character literary types? A couple in particular are flat characters and catalyst hero characters. These are people who do not change much throughout the story line as they spend their time helping others. Usually, these character types suffer a major flaw. Their character usually remains the same with little internal change. Most often, they struggle with obsessive compulsive tendencies.  Examples would be Johnny Depp from Pirates of the Caribbean, The Old Man and The Sea, Tom Hanks in Castaway and Russel Crowe in Master and Commander. They feel that money, power and success is never enough. They are on a long quest were the journey never ends. They are trapped in time over a past failure and have trouble moving on. These characters become aloof to the outside world. They are locked into an unchanging state of mind on a never ending pursuit. Their goal is elusive, even though the feel entitled to win.

We can relate with these internal struggles, which is why we grow so fond of these characters. The danger we face is similar to what we find in our favorite actors and actresses. The fear of letting go and the fear of defeat.

We find ourselves in various mental battles. Our focus drifts away from God. We become dry. The battle gets so tough that we are left wounded, stranded and broken. In this condition, it is easy to dwell on the negative. We become too tired and disoriented to stand up. We are frail and thirsty. When the light shines, we want to close the door because are eyes are growing dim. How can we be refreshed, even when we may not feel like it?

Today I stumbled on the passage from Isaiah 43: 15-21. It says:
 18 "Forget the former things;
       do not dwell on the past.

    19 See, I am doing a new thing!
       Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
       I am making a way in the wilderness
       and streams in the wasteland.

    20 The wild animals honor me,
       the jackals and the owls,
       because I provide water in the wilderness
       and streams in the wasteland,
       to give drink to my people, my chosen,

    21 the people I formed for myself
       that they may proclaim my praise.

How can we forget the former things and see the newness of God? Easy to say/read - hard to do. However, after reading this passage, my thoughts turned to the observation of water.

Water is used to nurture crops, satisfy thirst and refresh what is dry. We use water to wash, cook and clean as well as for transportation. In modern times, we’ve learned how to channel water to conduct power and energy.  
In the biblical reference, water is likened to the Holy Spirit. Water conveys re-birth, forgiveness and the action to renew and restore. In the Creation, water was used to shower the earth. It was also used to provide a boundary. In Exodus, God used water as a defense as well as to display His miracles.  Water provided relief and comfort to the Israelites and prophets.  Water is a symbol and reference of the Holy Spirit. It is used for baptism to signify re-birth and used by Jesus and the apostles to heal, wash and nourish.

The water of God’s Holy Spirit can help wash, clear and restore our eyes to see His work. He gives us streams in the wasteland to provide for our daily needs. He uses the current of water to direct our paths. He carries us on waves of grace, while we rest besides waters of peace. He satisfies our souls with good things so we may give Him praise. Like the blind man who was healed by Jesus, we go out with joy giving Him thanks. He rescues and restores; heals and forgives. The Holy Spirit gives us a never ending drink of his merciful love.

You know when I reflect on these truths, I soon forget my OCD tendencies and troubles. I am changed by the power of His Spirit and supply. This is why He reminds us in Phil. 4:8-9 and is my prayer for all of us today:

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."