Thirsty : Understanding Our Deepest Needs
The Unquenchable Thirst
We are all thirsty. Soul thirsty. And here’s the thing about thirst: if it’s not quenched, we’ll take it somewhere.
For some, it's relationships that leave us drained and disappointed. Others reach for an extra drink, an extra pill, or another round of social media scrolling, hoping to find a moment of relief. Our culture feeds this cycle, offering temporary solutions that never truly satisfy. After all, we crave what we consume.
Loneliness is an epidemic. Studies show it’s more harmful than smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. The need to be seen, known, and loved is fundamental to our mental and emotional health. But instead of finding spaces where we feel valued, we often chase validation in ways that leave us emptier than before.
The Weight of Approval
Many of us live for approval. We exhaust ourselves trying to measure up, earn recognition, and prove our worth. The pressure to perform, to be good enough, smart enough, attractive enough—it's endless.
But what if our worth wasn’t something we had to achieve? What if it was something we already had? Imagine the freedom of moving through life without fear of rejection, without the constant need to prove yourself. That shift—from striving for approval to living from a place of security—changes everything.
The Power of Healthy Confidence
Confidence isn't about being the loudest person in the room. True confidence comes from within, from knowing you are already enough. It’s not about gathering validation from others; it’s about bringing a deep assurance into every space you enter.
Much of mental wellness comes down to this: where do you draw your strength and peace from? Is it from fleeting achievements, social status, or comparison? Or do you root yourself in something unshakable—your intrinsic worth ?
Breaking Free from the Cycle
When we don’t feel seen, we self-promote. When we don’t feel valued, we seek external validation. But what if, instead of chasing acceptance, we found a well that never runs dry?
In today’s world, we hide in all kinds of ways—burying ourselves in work, numbing with entertainment, or isolating behind screens. These temporary escapes can’t heal the deeper longing inside us. To truly thrive, we must draw from a healthier source—God, who offers lasting fulfillment.
Your story isn’t over. You are valuable, with a purpose still unfolding. No matter what mistakes you’ve made or what burdens you carry, your worth remains unchanged. The journey to mental and emotional well-being begins with choosing to draw from God, the source of unending love and peace, rather than from sources that leave us empty.
So, today—right now—what bucket will you draw from? The world’s ever-changing standards, or the unshakable truth of God’s love and purpose for you?
Blog Series is based on book by Russ Moore (2024), Confidence: Destroy Insecurity. Discover Freedom.
Check out the full series!
This post is just one of the Confidence: Destroy Insecurity. Discover Freedom Series. Be sure to check out my in-depth posts for the whole series:
- Snares of Insecurity and Zero-Sum Thinking
- Jealousy, Shame, and Emotional Baggage
- Personal Limitations and Pride
- Finding Identity and Worth: The Journey to Wholeness
- Thirsty : Understanding Our Deepest Needs
- Who is in the Mirror? Envisioning the Future Self (stay tuned; coming soon!)
- The Importance of Integrity (stay tuned; coming soon!)
- Pride and Humility (stay tuned; coming soon!)
- Replacing Fear with Courage (stay tuned; coming soon!)
- Stretching our Capacity (stay tuned; coming soon!)
- Developing Competence (stay tuned; coming soon!)
- Our Presentation (stay tuned; coming soon!)
- Handling Hardships (stay tuned; coming soon!)