Lessons Learned in Hoodoo Land

Ever heard of a hoodoo?

A hoodoo is a tall thin isolated rock formation that protrudes from the bottom of a dry drainage basin.

Hoodoos are located in hot desert areas, and boy is it dry out there in hoodoo land!

All this heat and dryness got me thinking about my physical need for water, juxtaposed to my spiritual need for God. It made me realize just how often I allow the needs of my flesh to trump the needs of my spirit.

The Hoodoo’s also made me aware of the strength that’s found in weakness. Their strong outer shell protects their inner fragility. I’m reminded that God’s power is best evidenced through my weakness, no matter how uncomfortable that is for me.

If this is true, the first thing I need to do is notice that I need refreshment.

Psalm 63:1 says “….. my soul thirsts for thee, my flesh yearns for thee, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” This indicates our physical need for water creates a drive state that compels us to seek after something that sustains life for our outer man.

Simultaneously, the Psalmist’s language suggests a longing for the presence of God because it sustains the inner man. Our yearning for God shows our need of him, our dependence upon him, and our confidence that he alone can fill us.

My flesh depends on water for life; I wouldn’t consider going a day without it. Therefore, I must be equally intentional to give myself to that which will satiate my inner life—- connection to God.

“Everyone who drinks this water shall thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water I shall give him shall never thirst…” John 2:14

Hoodoos appear incredibly strong, but they consist of soft limestone rock, covered by a harder rock shell which helps make them less prone to damage and erosion.

I thought of how often I project a hard exterior to protect my heart from the erosion caused by life’s hurt and pain, which keeps me from appropriating the power of God that’s available.

God designed the hoodoos to contain a strong durable rock surface to protect them; likewise, he’s equipped us with something stronger than even the hoodoos possess —-the Holy Spirit.

If that’s true, we can stop pretending we have it all together and become intentional about depending on him.

Here’s how to begin:

• Notice the condition of your heart daily

• Recognize spiritual dehydration. Satiate yourself with spiritual food and living water

• Practice the spiritual disciplines

• Memorize Scripture. It will grow your inner man

• Find a lovely place. These astounding rock formations in the desert

reminded me of the majesty of God’s creation. Find a lovely place to be with God and worship

My time in the desert challenged me to look inward because I was being affected by the externals. Commit today to check the pulse on the needs of your inner man. Then, like the hoodoos, you’ll be able to stand against anything the elements throw at you.