Today, I want to talk to you about a young woman whose story is told in the books of Joshua and Judges (see Josh. 15:16-19 and Jdg. 1:12-15). Her story takes place when Israel fought to gain the land God had promised them. Her father Caleb was finally able to remove the giants living in the portion of land he had been promised. Caleb, perhaps wanting to share the joy of his conquest, put out the word to the young men. He told them that whoever conquered the city of Debir would win his daughter, Achsah’s, hand in marriage.
Othniel, the young man who had volunteered and succeeded, was Caleb’s brother’s son. (That’s just the way they did things back then; giving daughters away to a first cousin to marry. And that was the expectation under which young women lived.) However, Caleb’s daughter, although obedient to her father’s wishes and words, was bold enough to make an additional request of her father.
The land given to the young couple was in a lower region of Judah that was known for being parched and dry. So, Miss Sassy Achsah checked with her husband, then went to her father and asked for water springs. She was willing to submit to her father and husband, but she was also going to speak up for what she needed.
When she approached her father, he asked her what was wrong. She asked him for a present since he had given her dry land, she asked for springs of water. Her father agreed and gave her both the upper land and lower springs. The upper springs were the source waters, and the lower springs were the run-off waters after having flowed through the land.
Now Achsah had everything she needed. What about you? Do you have the water sources you need for your soul? We have been talking about our souls this whole month so it’s appropriate that we would take this story of a daughter asking her father for water and find a parallel for ourselves in asking God to refresh our souls.
If you’re feeling dry, out of sorts, overwhelmed, or just not quite yourself, Holy Spirit has what you need. There have been times when my soul felt restless or unsettled, and I have asked God to wash over those disquieted places with His presence.
What is required of you to receive this refreshing? Just ask. Then find a quiet space and time so you can fully receive what God has for you. Maybe your prayer would sound something like this:
“Lord, I know you’re a good Father, and I know you care about the things that concern me. I need to admit that I’m feeling tired, frustrated, and worried about something. I want to lay this worry at your feet and ask for an exchange. I need fresh faith and I need a settled heart. Would you give that to me?”
I believe He will answer you! Many times, the simple act of releasing a burden to Him brings so much peace. Then when we ask for that water of refreshing, He will fill our souls with His Spirit. I’ve watched many times as my perspective changes and I’m able to walk through my day more encouraged. I invite you to offer up that prayer right now. Please share with me how God answers!
I want to invite you to our next prayer call. We’ll be meeting by Zoom on Tuesday, April 26th from 6:30 to 7:30. Please save that time on your calendar and I’ll send the Zoom link closer to the time. To receive email communications, click here and sign up!
