At this point in the summer, I’m wilting. It’s just plain hot and fall seems oh, so far away. My skin wrinkles, my mouth feels like cotton, and my spirit is dehydrated too. 

My daughter recently shared a word picture with me. Imagine the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit at a table with four chairs. The fourth chair is yours. The Trinity sits around the table talking about how They look forward to time with you today. As you walk in the door, Their faces light up. 

Are you as excited to see Them? Or does your spiritual walk feel as dry as Texas in August?

Here are a few tips to carry us through the dog days of summer:

Early Morning: Early morning offers the lowest temperatures of the day, so get outside. Walk. Listen. Pray. Use your senses. What will He show you? 

“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day . . . “ Genesis 3:8

A/C: The Holy Spirit is often symbolized by wind or breath. Think spiritual climate control. Just as heading outside in the afternoon feels oppressive, walking without the Spirit feels oppressive too. Spend some time in front of the fan of worship. Feel the air move and think about how the Spirit moves in our lives. 

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:1-4

Snow Cones: Snow cones are such a treat in the summer. Treat yourself to a podcast, a book, or new music that will encourage you to grow spiritually. Even biblical fiction can give you a new perspective on familiar Bible accounts. 

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103

The Pool: Take time to soak in the Word as summer wraps up. Try a spot you haven’t explored in a while like Habakkuk or 1 John. 

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8

Just because the grass turns browns doesn’t mean our spirit has to wilt too. Keep your cool and stay hydrated this August.