Discussion Guide | March 22nd, 2026

March 23rd, 2026

There's Something in the Water | Pastor Lisa Shuler Discussion Guide

Summary

This sermon by Pastor Lisa Shuler explores the extensive biblical symbolism of water as it relates to God's presence and spiritual life. The speaker examines how water appears over 1,500 times in Scripture, beginning with creation where God's Spirit hovered over the waters. Pastor Lisa connects the physical reality that our bodies are 60% water to the spiritual truth that we need God's presence like we need physical water. The message covers various water symbols: streams representing constant nourishment from God's Word, springs as miraculous provision in desert seasons, rivers as the overwhelming presence of God, wells as places of divine encounters, baptism as transformation, and rain as God's Word accomplishing His purposes. The central message is that just as our bodies cannot survive without water, our spirits cannot thrive without regularly seeking God's presence through His Word and prayer.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with hearts open to receive what You have for us. Just as our bodies are made up of water and need constant replenishment, we recognize that our spirits need Your living water to truly live and thrive. Help us to set aside any distractions or preconceived notions, and make us receptive to Your voice speaking to us through Your Word today. Show us how to dig deeper into Your presence and find the river of life that flows beneath even our driest seasons. We ask for Your Holy Spirit to guide our discussion and reveal Your truth to each of us. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What is your favorite body of water you've ever seen or experienced, and what made it so memorable to you?

Main Study

Key Verses

Genesis 1:1-2
Psalm 1:2-3
Isaiah 41:18
Ezekiel 47:1-12
John 7:37-39
Isaiah 55:10-12
Micah 7:19

Questions

The sermon mentions that our bodies are 60% water and need constant replenishment. How does this physical reality help you understand our need for God's presence in our daily lives?
In Psalm 1, those who delight in God's law are compared to trees planted by streams of water. What does it practically look like to 'delight' in God's Word in your everyday life?
The speaker talked about hidden rivers in the desert that require intentional digging to find. What are some 'signs of life' you can look for when you're going through a dry spiritual season?
In Ezekiel's vision, the water from the temple starts as a trickle but becomes a river too deep to cross. How have you experienced God's presence growing deeper in your own life over time?
The sermon describes wells as places of divine appointments and God encounters. Can you share about a time when you experienced an unexpected 'divine appointment' in your life?
Jesus told the Samaritan woman about living water that would mean she'd never thirst again. What are some things people typically turn to for satisfaction that leave them still 'thirsty'?
The message explains that God casts our sins into the depths of the sea, making them irretrievable. Why do you think we sometimes struggle to accept this complete forgiveness?
Rain is described as God's Word that 'will not return empty but will accomplish what I desire.' How does this promise encourage you when reading Scripture feels difficult or unproductive?

Life Application

This week, commit to 'digging deeper' in your relationship with God by establishing a daily practice of reading His Word, even if it's just for 10-15 minutes each day. When you feel spiritually dry or disconnected, intentionally look for the 'signs of life' - moments of peace, unexpected encouragement, or small answers to prayer - that point to God's hidden river of presence flowing beneath the surface of your circumstances.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

Just as our bodies are 60% water and need constant replenishment, our spirits need daily nourishment from God's presence and His Word to thrive
Even in the driest spiritual seasons, God has a hidden river of life flowing beneath the surface that we can access by digging deeper through prayer and seeking Him
God's presence starts as a trickle but grows deeper as we spend more time with Him, eventually becoming a river that transforms everything it touches
Wells in Scripture represent places of divine appointments - when we position ourselves in God's presence, we open ourselves to unexpected encounters and provision
God's Word is like rain that never returns empty but always accomplishes His purposes, even when we don't immediately see or understand the results

Ending Prayer

Father God, thank You for revealing Yourself to us through the beautiful symbolism of water throughout Scripture. Help us to remember that just as we cannot survive physically without water, we cannot thrive spiritually without Your living water. When we find ourselves in desert seasons, remind us to dig deeper and look for Your hidden river of life flowing beneath the surface. Give us a hunger and thirst for Your Word that compels us to drink deeply from Your presence each day. Help us to trust that Your Word never returns empty, even when we don't immediately see the fruit. Thank You for casting our sins into the depths of the sea and for the promise of Your continuous provision like rain in due season. May we leave here today not just having heard about water, but truly thirsty for more of You. In Jesus' name, amen.

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