Living Waters

John 7:38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."

A lot of people think that oil is the most important liquid in the world and that most of our energy, focus, and industry should be spent on finding, refining, and producing more oil to keep up with our ever increasing demands. For the past century and a half, our civilization has grown dependent upon oil for our economic prosperity. But before we became petroleum needy, every civilization on earth depended upon one liquid for survival and prosperity – water. The more water resources a nation, city or town had, the more they could develop. Wherever a good water supply could be maintained, people and communities flourished.

Over the next decade, the world is going to see a lot of crises through water issues. Turkey and Syria are already competing for diminishing water supplies in the Kurdistan areas. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are seeing thousands of their people becoming distressed over water rights. Even some States in our nation are litigating each other in disputes about water purity and industrial waste. Water is becoming a big issue and, I believe, before this generation passes away, it will be the number one issue across the world.

The Church also faces a water issue, for congregations are becoming spiritually dry. The people are weary of denominational conflicts and divisive policies. Pastors in the pulpits and people in the pews are thirsty for the Spirit of God to come and revive their churches and communities. Instead of feeling refreshed and renewed, congregants across the lands are leaving frustrated, becoming faithless and furious because the living streams of water are drying up.

Jesus reminds us that our focus needs to be on Him, and not on pastors or people, policies or polity. He is the source of our spiritual strength. He is the one who refreshes our faith and replenishes our souls. He is the one whom we worship and adore. He is the one that we serve and to whom we belong.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Living Water and You invite us to come to Your refreshing streams, to bathe in Your words, to be cleanse by Your grace, to be renewed with Your love. When we are weary of the world and tired of the church, help us to come to You for comfort and strength, guidance and inspiration. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.