Living Water

Isaiah 48:21 – And they did not thirst when He led them through the deserts; He caused the waters to flow from the rocks for them; He also split the rock, and the waters gushed out. (NKJV)

Last summer, we were in France when the record-breaking heat waves hit the country. At no other time had plain cold water tasted so good on my tongue as in those days when we walked under the scorching sun, breathing in hot humid air. Although I had known about the benefits of eight glasses of water per day, rarely had I made it a habit. In fact, I had wondered how anyone could consume that much on a daily basis. However, I couldn't keep count of the number of bottles of water I emptied down my throat on those days in France. With my throat parched, if I had been given a choice between a bottle of Parfum D'Or, a pearl necklace, or a chilled bottle of sparkling water, I would have wisely lunged for the last. What good is the perfume or the shining necklace if I do not get the water to quench my thirst? Though the perfume and the pearls have their glamour and lure, they lack the power to quench my thirst.

Likewise, what good is money, success, or power for someone at the brink of death, if he doesn't have assurance of eternal life? The living water, which Christ offers us, becomes our strength to walk through this life. There are days when we go through dry seasons — parched, deserted, and withered, both emotionally and spiritually. Then there are days when we seem to hit the wall with no way out, or see no future. It's at such times that we tend to marvel at the replenishing power of His Word and Spirit as living water. When the desert sand blinds our vision, and doubts creep in, let us learn to sing like David, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance." (Psalm 42:5 NKJV)

Prayer: Loving Lord, You are our hope and strength. You've walked us through hard times and good times. Help us to quieten our souls when fear and anxiety cross our thoughts. Teach us to sing praises even when the path ahead looks rocky and deserted. Amen.

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