If you’ve ever been in a counselor’s office and been mindful of the surroundings, you probably noticed several bottles of water throughout the office. They’re in the lobby, as well as the counselor’s office. There’s a reason for this. Counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists are mindful of the fact that water has a calming effect on their clients.
It’s true that water helps with dehydration, but it does far more than that…
Jesus understood this, and on one occasion actually made use of this “weapon” to win a lot of converts.
John 4 tells us of his experience with the woman at the well. Jesus was weary from traveling, and when he came to Samaria, he found a place to rest, Jacob’s Well.
Around noon time, as he sat there, a woman came to draw water. As she did so, Jesus asked for a drink of water.
The rest is history.
If you find yourself having to deal with an unruly or disruptive person at church, having access to water can be of assistance. How is that? Well, when water is consumed, it forces the drinker to breathe. This can help to slow down their breathing, which has a calming effect.
Furthermore, in light of the possibility that the person may intend to do harm, a bottle of water occupies their hand. Thus, when you hand them water, extend it toward their right hand. Chances are, this is their strong hand, and when an object is placed in that hand, it is partially disabled (occupied).
I recall an incident from my law enforcement days. Someone came to my office who I was a bit suspicious of. Wanting to keep my eyes on his hands, I offered him water. This “tied up” his right hand - thus giving me a slight advantage should the situation turn dangerous.
Be sure you also have some water. Sip it often, as this will serve as a reminder to the person to do likewise. The more he drinks, the greater the chances that “calm” will permeate the atmosphere. And this is precisely what you are after.
Water is one of those incredible substances God has provided us, and it has positive effects that many of us have never considered.
For example, research has linked dehydration to depression and anxiety. Dehydration causes brain functioning to slow down and not function properly. It is important to think of water as a nutrient your brain needs.
The unruly and disruptive people you often deal with are in a state of panic. It is here that water can come to your rescue.
Panic attacks are often the result of dehydration. And dehydration is combatted by the weapon of water.
Remember, about 60 to 80 percent of your body is water; the more it gets, the better it functions.
One of my grandchildren used to be prone to panic attacks. When I learned about the power of water, I began to “use it” on her. When she would break down, or get angry, and turn on the tears, I would hand her some water. Almost without fail, calm would break out - as well as a smile.
Place bottles of water throughout the church. If you have to confront someone who is disruptive, lead them toward where those bottles of water are (away from everybody else). Then, take advantage of the water, offering it to them at the outset of your conversation.
Who knows, perhaps you’ll have the same result Jesus did when he used the “weapon” of water. You might win them over to the faith, and should their testimony spread (like the testimony of the woman at the well did), revival might break out in the whole city!
And to think it all started with …water ….
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