Isaac dug out again the wells that were dug during the lifetime of his father Abraham. The Philistines had closed them up after Abraham’s death. Isaac gave them the same names his father had given them. Genesis 26:18 (CEB)
It is noteworthy that two essential elements of life, breath, and water, are symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Understanding this relationship, the enemy of our souls seeks to disrupt our supply. In Isaac’s day, the Philistines, (representative of this world) sought to cut off the supply of water to deprive God’s people of its life-giving flow.
God freely gives of his Holy Spirit to us today, but the world, the flesh, and the devil desire to cut us off from everything that we need to sustain life. In the natural realm, authorities take measures to ensure the security of our water supply. If you cut off water to a people, you can defeat them.
As critical as natural water is to our well-being, even more so is the water that supplies our spirits. In Proverbs we read: So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 (TPT)
If we do not remain vigilant, we may find ourselves cut off from the life-giving flow that sustains and refreshes. Jesus told the Samaritan woman that those that drink the water that he gives them will never be thirsty again (John 4:13-15). Jesus provides the water that gives life, but taking one drink will not sustain us. We need to continually drink from that fountain that never runs dry.
What Causes a Drought?
I took care of you in the wilderness, in that dry and thirsty land. But when you had eaten and were satisfied, you became proud and forgot me. Hosea 13:5–6 (NLT)
All their flowing springs will run dry, and all their wells will disappear. Every precious thing they own will be plundered and carried away. Hosea 13:15 (NLT)
Biblically speaking, natural droughts were linked to disobedience, and turning away from God. We must exercise caution in blaming all drought on sin, in part because God can use drought to call us to a deeper level of dependence upon him. Also, when God causes a natural drought because of a nation’s sin, it impacts the righteous as well.
It is noteworthy to remember that Elijah prophesied drought to the nation of Israel. God instructs Elijah to hide by a brook, with ravens serving as his Grubhub. Eventually the brook dried up. Elijah was not exempt from the effects of his prophetic words. When natural sources of water dried up God provided for Elijah miraculously through a widow. God uses natural droughts to bring correction to those who have strayed from him, and his word. At the same time, God shows himself faithful to those who trust him. God is our provider!
A Spiritual Desert
O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 (NLT)
In parts of the world, modern technology is used to mitigate the effects of drought. Here in Southern California, by definition a desert, aqueducts bring water from thousands of miles away. Even when there is not enough water to keep the grass green, there has always been enough to drink.
Even though we can do things to survive during a natural drought, a lack of water brings what is important into clear focus. We are no longer consumed by trivial matters, because only one thing has priority.
David recalled his experiences in the wilderness of Judah as he wrote Psalm 63. Even in desert conditions, his foremost objective was not obtaining water, but it was a longing for God. He was hungry and thirsty, but more than anything else, he wanted God. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! Psalm 63:3 (NLT)
When we are “blessed” with an abundance of natural and spiritual “things,” it is easy to forget what really matters. Physiologically, it does not take exceptionally long for us to feel the effects of a lack of water. Sadly, too many people are oblivious to their own spiritual drought or dryness.
While there may be seasons of dryness where God is bringing us to a new level of trust in him, our response must be a desire for more of him. How much do we thirst for God? Do we believe that only God can quench our parched spirits?
Living Water
On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! John 7:37 (NLT)
Jesus spoke of water and thirst because it is a universal need. If I take a drink of water, eventually I will need to have another drink of water. Once someone has tasted the water that Jesus gives, how could we be satisfied with the polluted swill that this world has to offer us. And yet, that is the history of God’s people:
“For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me— the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all! Jeremiah 2:13 (NLT)
How futile it is to do things our own way. Jesus offers flowing, refreshing, life-giving water, so why settle for a cracked cistern that does not even hold water? How long will people keep drinking non-potable water that smells and does not taste good? I am reminded of a song we used to sing:
Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord!
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;
Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more–
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole!
Not only will there be a fresh supply of living water for us, but the rivers that flow out from our innermost being will be a source of life-giving refreshment for many other people. It is time to unplug the wells, unblock the rivers, and let them flow!
Steve Ekeroth