Today’s scripture: John 7:37-53 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Julie Walsh):
Jesus states in today’s passage that “rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in [Him] this way.”
Immediately I pause, and ask the question: In what way? So, feeling like a student completing a question on a homework assignment, I set out to determine what this way really means. Jesus answers the question at the beginning of His pronouncement: rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths if anyone thirsts.
Outside of the spiritual context, what does it mean to be thirsty? How does water play a role in physical survival?
Check out these surprising statistics:
- 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated
- In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is mistaken for hunger
- One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of people studied
- Lack of water is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue
- A 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen
- Drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day would significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers
A simple element like water is so essential in nourishing our body! Drinking enough water daily keeps our bodies more healthy and running smoothly. We can’t sustain well with just a little.
And so it is with Christ. We cannot expect to just worship on Sundays then leave Christ in the church pew. And we are barely surviving if we just read a little scripture occasionally and offer up a short bedtime prayer.
Now examine those earlier statistics. Reading back through the list, replace physical water for living water. Quite a concept!
Like water, Christ must become part of our day. Part of living. Part of breathing. Jesus’ living water will nourish our souls and quench our thirst. And whenever we do tap into that living water, be assured that we can do mighty things!
Thought for the day: Today I will nourish my soul by supplying it with the living water I need!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to begin, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.