Friday, December 18

On that day living waters  shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea, and half of them to the western sea; it shall continue in summer as in winter.
—Zechariah 14:8

Just imagine the gratitude of plants, flowers, and trees when they are annointed by the morning dew, reviving them with moisture.  We've all seen a wilting flower rebound when even a few drops of water are sprinkled into the soil. Water has the capacity not only to keep life going, but to make life flourish.

When Jesus met the woman at the well, he told her he would offer her living water—the same living waters that would flow out from Jerusalem. Her soul was thirsty and wilting.  After just a few moments with Jesus, her soul began to revive, and she went into the city telling everyone that she had met the Messiah.

The living waters of God are not random drops here and there. They are not meant for some and withheld from others. They are not unpredictable or inconsistent. They are steady, dependable, and eternal. They flow over the whole of our lives—from east to west—in summer as in winter.

Wilting plants wait for moisture to restore them to life. Our souls wait for the living waters of heaven to nourish and protect them.  Whether our souls have become dried up through the struggle and suffering of life, or are eager and energetic because of the grace life has offered, the living waters still continue to flow.

It is not a hope. It is a promise.

Gracious God, let me drink the living waters of Jerusalem, so my soul rests in your love.