Water is life. Living on the shores of Lake Michigan we easily take our access to clean, fresh water for granted. Palestine and Israel, being arid climates, do not have as readily available fresh water. Perhaps this is why water plays such a prominent role in Scripture.
Jesus tells the Samaritan woman, in John 4:13-14, that He has water where the drinker will never thirst again. Water symbolism abounds in the Psalms for how we should desire God (see Psalms 42:1 and 63:1). Reading Isaiah 12, verse 3 stands out to me because of the mention of water.
Isaiah brings us this beautiful imagery of God’s absolute abundance in the plural use of ‘wells’. Overflowing, deep wells of salvation are available to us. The thought of cool, drinkable water makes me physically thirsty, and also spiritually thirsty. Salvation isn’t something we can “quench” with anything physical, or even any other spiritual thing for that matter. It is only by God.
There have been many times in my life where I have felt spiritually dry or been in a season of waiting, and the imagery of drawing water from the abundance of God sounds like peace, like a salve, a thirst quencher I desperately need.
The challenge for me lies in drawing from that well, and with joy. I love the reminder of that verb: Isaiah tells the Israelites to draw from the well. There is action expected, there is engagement. When I am spiritually thirsty, how often do I seek other things to satisfy that longing?
The season of Advent is a season of expectant waiting. As God’s people waited for the Messiah, we too are still in a season of waiting, “the now and the not yet.” When we find ourselves in smaller seasons of waiting, how can we draw from God’s wells with joy? Looking back on what God has done, on who Jesus is, and choosing to say “glory to God in the highest!” is a good place to start. Because no matter what our circumstances are, we can drink from the abundant wells of salvation through Jesus. Lord, teach me that this is enough.
For Reflection:
- How can you experience and express joy even as you wait for the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises?
by Mac Littel
Recommended Posts
Reflect & Respond: Week 6
January 7, 2023
What Truly Matters
January 6, 2023
True Wisdom
January 5, 2023