Today’s Reading: John 7:37-39
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, “Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”’ Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”
* * * * *
Jesus is the source of all life, and he is the one who continues to give you a meaningful life.
Once he has placed his Spirit in you, you will never thirst again. Anyone who believes in him receives the gift of his inward presence through the Spirit. When you come and drink from him, he will forever satisfy every one of your longings.
This belief is not mere intellectual assent. Rather, it is an inextricable, life-giving, eternal reality—an eternal connection between you and Jesus. He lives in you. You live in him. He is your source of life and hope. Daily, you drink from him and his grace, love, mercy, and kindness. Whatever is happening to you, you first come to him and drink from his life. And he will satisfy the deepest longings of your eternal soul.
That’s why you need a daily time with him. It is essential for your health.
The living water from which you drink is inexhaustible. It flows from deep within your heart. Please note it “flows.” It’s not a trickle or a little stream. It gushes forth with grace. It’s a flood of God’s favor. It’s living water—not stagnant or brackish. It is pure, fresh, and flowing. No germs or parasites can live in it. When you drink of it, you receive abundant life.
If you feel heavy-laden by any burdens today, give them all to Jesus—all of them. Drink from him. Don’t continue to hold on to even one problem or concern.
Make sure you are connected to the Spirit, who lives in you. He is your life source—living deep inside you. He connects you to Jesus. As you remain in him, fruitfulness flows from your life. Your character is changed. God’s righteousness is evident. Your transformed life glorifies the Father in heaven.
Let the Spirit’s inward water give life to your dry soul. Let him bring comfort when you face discouragement. Have hope in your heart. He promises his presence.
Then his love will replace apathy. Forgiveness will replace bitterness. Patience will replace anger. Kindness will replace criticism. Gentleness will replace pride. Joy will replace discouragement. Courage will replace timidity. Faith will replace fear. Hope will replace despair. Peace will replace anxiety. Self-control will replace self-indulgence. Collaboration will replace strife. Your focus will be on others, not yourself.
And the Lord’s streams of living water will forever flow in you. He will give you moral excellence, which will lead to knowledge. This knowledge will produce self-control, which will lead to patient endurance. This patient endurance gives godliness, and godliness leads to brotherly affection. And brotherly affection produces love for everyone.
Jesus’ living water produces all these wonderful qualities. And he is calling you to give his living water to a dying, parched world that desperately needs it.
That’s one of the key reasons the Lord created you.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]