In the US, we have plenty of safe drinking water compared to other countries. Yet most of us walk around mildly dehydrated on a daily basis. I see it often in my practice. Lack of fluids causes symptoms of dizziness, fatigue and constipation. The normal person requires at least 64 oz. of water for proper body function. But how much living water do we need to hydrate a thirsty soul?
Living water refers to water flowing from a spring rather than collected in a cistern. In ancient times, people sought after the purity of this water and built their homes nearby. Throughout the Bible, God is referred to as the source of living water. So, it’s no surprise when Jesus offers this to the Samaritan woman at the well.
“Give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water,” the Samaritan woman said to Jesus. To obtain living water, all we must do is ask and Jesus will provide. “Indeed, the water I give them will become a spring welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14-15)
Down through the ages, humanity attempts to quench its thirst with things that never satisfy for long. Power, wealth, and prestige give temporary gratification. As long as we use earthly means to soothe our parched souls, we will always thirst for more. Only Living Water from God quenches our thirst forever.
Just as we need water from a faucet for our bodies to survive, we need God’s Spirit to fill our souls to thrive. When the Spirit dwells within us, bountiful streams flow out enhancing the lives of those around us. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control are but a few of the Spirit’s life-giving benefits.
What the world needs now, is more people filled with this Living Water to nourish dry, thirsty souls desperate for this eternal refreshment.
On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
John 7:37-39 | NIV
