Refreshing Faith: Drawing from the Well of Salvation
A Picture of Refreshment
The words of Isaiah 12:3 paint a vivid picture: “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” Imagine yourself standing by a deep well, bucket in hand, ready to quench your thirst. As you lower the bucket into the cool, clear water, you hear the satisfying splash and feel the rope’s gentle tug. The anticipation builds as you pull the bucket up, knowing the refreshing drink will revitalize your parched soul.
The Obstacle to Refreshment
But what if your bucket has a hole? Despite your longing for that refreshing drink, you’d end up with nothing but an empty bucket. Sadly, this is often the case with our faith. The biggest obstacle to drawing from the well of salvation is a lack of confidence in God and in ourselves as His children.
Confidence in God
When we doubt God’s character and promises, the refreshing truths of salvation slip right through our fingers. To draw deeply from the well, we must be confident that God is who He says He is and will do what He promises. Yet, our confidence often wavers when life doesn’t go as planned. We forget that God sees the bigger picture and knows exactly what our hearts need to persevere.
Restoring Confidence
Take a moment to review God’s character, as revealed through His names (http://www.thoughtsaboutgod.com/meditating/kk_attributes.htm). Let His attributes reassure you of His goodness and love. If you’re struggling to see yourself as God sees you, take some time to reflect on your identity in Christ (http://www.ficm.org/index.php?command=textwhoamiinchrist). You are His beloved child, included in His promises and able to draw deeply from His well.
Patching the Hole
So, what’s holding you back from experiencing the joy of salvation? Identify the holes in your bucket and apply the truth of God’s Word to patch them up. Believe God with fresh faith, walk in the confidence of your identity in Christ, and you’ll be able to draw from His deep well with overflowing joy.
A Prayer for Refreshment
Father God, help me to trust You completely, even when I don’t understand Your ways. May I lean on Your love and provision, knowing You have my best interests at heart. Help me see myself as You see me – forgiven, loved, accepted, chosen, and fruitful. Give me a deep understanding of my identity in Christ, and restore my faith so I may draw deeply from the well of salvation. In Jesus’ name, I pray, with thanksgiving. Amen.
Reflection Question
What holes are in your bucket right now? What truth will you apply to patch them up? Share your thoughts online at http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/2012/10/27/gr_drawing-a-long-cool-drink/.
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