Thirst Trap vs. Living Water
We all know a thirst trap when we see one. That perfectly lit selfie, the casual-yet-calculated pose, the “just woke up like this” look that took a suspiciously long time. And let’s be real — sometimes it’s fun to indulge in a little external validation. Who among us doesn’t get a small dopamine hit from a well-placed fire emoji in the comments?
But the real thirst trap? Thinking those fleeting moments of admiration will actually satisfy us.
I’ve been doing Ann Voscamp’s Loved To Life daily devotional for Lent (although this teaching is relevant for any season). Ann recently reminded her readers that in John 4, Jesus meets a woman at the well who knows all about thirst. She’s been searching—relationship after relationship—hoping someone or something will finally quench her longing. But Jesus calls her deeper: “Whoever drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.”
Isn’t that like all of us? Okay - it’s definitely me. I’m going to employ the “royal we” here. We think we’re thirsty for success, for beauty, for admiration. For that one thing that will finally make us feel whole. Maybe it’s the perfect job title, the dream vacation, or the curated Instagram feed that screams I have it all together. But the truth? Every thirst — every craving, every longing, every ache — is really just a thirst for Love Himself. The One who made us, knows us, and calls us beloved.
And yet, how often do I try to hydrate my soul with what’s ultimately empty? The approval, the applause, the endless scroll of like me, validate me, see me. Oh look! There goes Kara…chasing after the next compliment or accolade like someone dying of thirst in the desert, convinced the next mirage will be the oasis. But all it leaves me with is a parched spirit.
Jesus doesn’t just offer a sip of truth — He is the well. And the best part? There’s no filter, no “best angle,” no mental gymnastics required to receive it. Just a simple, come-as-you-are invitation to be filled.
Now, don’t get me wrong — this doesn’t mean I’m suddenly swearing off selfies. Sometimes a little lipgloss, good lighting, and a fresh blowout are worth celebrating. And yes, I’ll probably still post a pic because I’m a fan of both hydration and a healthy glow. But these days, I’m a lot more aware of which thirst I’m trying to quench.
If I’m hoping the compliments will convince me I’m valuable? Time to check my heart.
If I’m refreshing my notifications like they’ll refresh my soul? Definitely dehydrated.
If I’m defining my worth by the world’s fleeting approval? Parched.
But when I remember that I’m already fully seen, fully known, and fully loved? That’s when I can sip freely from the well that never runs dry.
If you see me posting a selfie, just know — I like hydrating my skin, exercising is fun for me and I express myself through fashion. But my soul? That’s filled with the good stuff from the ultimate thirst quencher. The original Living Water.
Written by Kara Alloway
Kara Alloway is a former participant on The Real Housewives of Toronto, a best-selling author, journalist, and beauty enthusiast with a passion for storytelling. Her novel Most Hated took her from reality TV drama to celebrated author, proving that even the most unexpected plot twists can lead to redemption. She’s been married to her husband, Graham, for 30 years, and together they’ve raised three young adult sons.
Kara’s faith journey began as a young girl at Catholic school, where she first met the Lord. In the early 2000s, she, and the children were baptized in the ocean in Key Largo by their dear friend and pastor, Charles Rosenbalm — a memory she treasures, despite the seawater hair situation. Now, she splits her time between Toronto and Key Largo, attending People’s Church and First Baptist Key Largo. She’s a firm believer that God’s grace is the ultimate glow-up — though she’ll never say no to a great facial and a little moisturizer.
