“Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” ~Jesus (John 4:14)
Sugary sodas, alcohol, energy drinks, artificially sweetened diet sodas, and heavily sweetened juices, or coffee drinks are among the worst beverages for gut health. These drinks overwhelm the gut microbiome with sugar or artificial chemicals, fueling harmful bacteria and yeast while reducing beneficial microbes. They can also irritate the stomach lining, increase inflammation, cause bloating and gas, contribute to acid reflux, and raise risks for obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. Over time, they slow digestion, damage the gut barrier, and disrupt the body’s natural ability to function.
By contrast, water, kefir, kombucha, bone broth, and herbal teas (like peppermint, ginger, chamomile, and fennel) nourish and restore the gut. Water keeps digestion moving and maintains hydration. Kefir and kombucha supply live probiotics that balance gut bacteria. Bone broth strengthens the gut lining with collagen and minerals, reducing inflammation. Herbal teas calm the digestive system, ease bloating, and support relaxation. These drinks bring restoration, balance, and long-term health, fueling the body for strength and resilience.
When we think about our physical health—what we drink either nourishes us or makes us sick.
Spiritually, it’s 100% the same.
Some of the poisons we choose to allow our mind to drink are worry, fear, lust, pride, and self-reliance. But if we’re constantly drinking in the poisons of worry about paying the bills, fear of the future, bitterness over past hurts, lustful thoughts, or the pride of self-reliance, our souls become darkened and enslaved. Worry drains us of peace. Fear paralyzes us, from trusting God’s plan. Bitterness poisons our relationships. Lust corrupts our hearts. Pride blinds us to our need for God. These are the toxins we drink with our mind, that pollute our heart.
God offers us something better to drink— the Living Water of His Word and His Spirit.
In the place of worry, He offers His “peace that surpasses understanding.” (Philippians 4:6–7)
Instead of fear, He offers His presence and strength: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you.” (Isaiah 41:10)
In the place of bitterness, He makes us vessels of forgiveness and grace, reminding us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Instead of being controlled by lust for things, experiences, or people, He offers the purity of living in His presence: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
In the place of poisoning pride, He offers us the glorious benefits of His presence through humility: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
When we drink from the living water of God’s presence, it purifies our mind of the poison of the enemy. His Word renews our mind like a spring that clears the mud out of a stagnant pond. We begin to think, talk, and act with the brilliant, beautiful mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16) As we do, we experience true freedom, promised by Jesus:
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36
What you put in your body matters; but what you put in your mind matters more.
Reflection Thought
Examine your life. Are you experiencing the malaise of fear, worry, bitterness, lust, or pride? If you are born again, you do NOT have to live this way. Identify the poison you are drinking and replace it with the remedy in God’s Word.
Your spiritual health depends on it!
Prayer
“Father, I confess that too often my mind drinks from the poisonous wells of this world—worry, fear, bitterness, lust, and pride. These things make my mind useless for Your glory. Thank You for giving me the living water of Jesus Christ, who satisfies my deepest thirst and renews my mind. Thank you for giving me Your mind, Jesus. Help me not to waste it! Help me choose Your truth over the lies of the world, and to walk in the freedom of loving You and loving others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
