The Elusive Oasis
In the scorching heat of the forest, I once spent my days as a logger, operating a massive machine called a skidder. My task was to haul logs from the woods to a designated area for processing. The journey was long and arduous, with kilometers of dusty terrain to cover on what we called a skid road. The work was exhausting, with constant trips back and forth, pulling in logs and returning for more.
A Hidden Gem
One day, while navigating the skid road, we stumbled upon a hidden treasure – a natural spring bubbling up from the earth, only to disappear again. The water was refreshingly cold and sweet, a true oasis in the desert. We would often stop to quench our thirst, relishing the taste of this pure, untainted water. However, its location was easy to miss, and we would often find ourselves saying, “Oops, I’ll stop next time.”
A Deeper Thirst
This experience reminds me of our spiritual journey. How often do we say, “Oops, God, I missed you, but I’ll stop next time by”? We crave connection with the divine, just as our bodies yearn for water. The Psalmist writes, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” (Psalm 42:1-2a).
Invitation to Drink
Jesus invites us to quench our spiritual thirst, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37). He promises that if we believe in Him, “streams of living water will flow from within us… through the Spirit that you have given us” (John 7:37-39). What a beautiful promise!
Seeking Righteousness
The Bible reminds us that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled (Matthew 5:6). As we seek God, our souls are nourished, and we find true satisfaction. Let us not settle for temporary fixes, but instead, come to the Living Water, who satisfies our deepest longings.
Gratitude
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for inviting the thirsty to come and drink. May we spread out our hands to You, longing for You like a thirsty land (Psalm 143:6). Amen.
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