Living Water

 “For my people have committed a double evil: They have abandoned Me, the fountain of living water,And dug cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that cannot hold water “-Jeremiah 2:13

Just like our natural bodies crave pure water, so does our spirit man. Our human spirit is craving and longing to be satisfied by something. Unfortunately, we're bombarded by advertisements on a daily basis convincing us that if we consume whatever is being offered all my needs will be satisfied. The reality is, eventually it will run dry and you will be on an endless journey looking for something else to fix your craving.

THE SLOW DRIFT

Life happens, we can slowly drift and sometimes barely recognize we are drinking from the wrong fountain. I saw this image of hoses all around us, they are distractions that we can’t help but run into, beckoning us to drink from them. Making false promises that they will satisfy our longing soul. God has gifted us with life, in it there is so much beauty. The look of a sunset or the feeling of love can bring a sense of deep satisfaction. They are the Lord’s blessings, yes, but we can be fooled to think it’s what will sustain us. 

Eventually, that sunset will turn to night and those people we love so dearly will disappoint us. 

That thirst in our souls begins to thirst again and again looking for what will truly satisfy us. With all the loud distractions and “hoses'' making false claims. A small whisper saying, “Look up” and in full abandonment, with outstretched arms of surrender we gaze upon this eternal waterfall just for us. This gift, though free, will cost us everything  BUT will satisfy us in a way we wouldn’t want anything else. 

“I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested. Those who claim to be apostles but are not, and found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. YET I hold this against you: you have forsaken the love you had at first.”-Revelation 2:2-4

I read this and it causes me to pause. The church of Ephesus was enduring hardships for Christ and not tolerating sins within the church. “Working hard” for God. How can we seemingly be doing all the right things and still have our hearts drift away from Him? As I read it, it feels like a pretty harsh rebuke. It reminds me of when you are receiving some type of positive criticism. “You’re great BUT…” See, I don’t know about you but when I hear the word “but or yet” I can easily forget all the positive feedback I just received! Anyone else? Haha

As I meditated on the passage a bit more, I couldn’t help but sense it’s not so much a rebuke but His love beckoning for us. He doesn’t want slaves but lovers.

WILL YOU PAUSE WITH ME RIGHT NOW?

Ask God, What hose am I drinking from? Where have I drifted from my first love? Whatever you sense Him saying, I pray you have the courage to surrender and rest in His lap. “Whoever has ears, let them hear” (Matthew 13:9) Remember, no shame or condemnation.  It’s HIS LOVE that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). May the Lord continue to show us the things that get in the way. May we give him full access to satisfy our longing soul with His goodness (Psalm 107:9

Before we “go” we must first sit with our first love- this is our starting place!

PRAYER:

Thank you Lord for giving me access to come boldly to your throne and receive this living water. Continue to reveal any areas in my life where I have looked to other things to satisfy. By the power of your Holy Spirit may I access the self-control to say no to the distractions that may come my way tempting me to feast on the wrong things. May you fill every part of me, baptizing me afresh with your love. Cause a deep hunger to grow so I may go after your presence in a new way. Thank you for filling the hungry and thirsty hearts! As I GO, give me the courage to step into the ‘new thing’ you have called me to.

In Jesus name, Amen!

ACTIVATION:

Find a cozy spot for you to relax and receive. No distractions. Picture yourself under that eternal waterfall fully abandoned and allow this song to penetrate your hearts. Give Me Jesus - UPPERROOM

As that happens, remember the simple gospel. When we received Jesus it was not from a place of perfection but of receiving the free gift of HIS PERFECTION. Return to that place in your heart when you first met Jesus. The joy, peace and freedom that came with believing in Him. We no longer walk from a place of striving but of resting as a child of God and trusting that as I yield and stay connected to Him, He will finish what He started in us by the power of the Spirit.