A couple of times in the past few years I’ve experienced dehydration
and, believe me, it is not something I want to repeat. It happened once after I
suffered a torn hamstring while cross-country skiing, and another time in the
115-degree heat of an Israeli desert. Both times I experienced dizziness,
disorientation, loss of clear vision, and a host of other symptoms. I learned
the hard way that water is vital to maintaining my well-being.
My experience with dehydration gives me a new appreciation for Jesus’
invitation: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37). His
announcement was dramatic, particularly in terms of the timing. John notes that
it was the last day of the “great feast”—the annual festival commemorating the
wandering of the Jews in the wilderness—which climaxed with a ceremonial
pouring of water down the temple steps to recall God’s provision of water for
the thirsty wanderers. At that point, Jesus rose and proclaimed that He is the
water we all desperately need.
Living like we really need Jesus—talking to Him and depending on His
wisdom—is vital to our spiritual well-being. So, stay connected to Jesus, for
He alone can satisfy your thirsty soul!