"On the last day of the feast, the great day, 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."'" John 7:37-38 (ESV)

I’ll never forget the day I signed into the hospital as a visitor and checked out as a patient.

While caring for a friend, I unexpectedly fainted. As I tended to her needs, my vision declined to darkness, and my body grew numb. Nurses transported me to the emergency room for testing and care. Later that day, I was cleared to return home with only one recommendation: “Stay hydrated — drink more water.”

I didn’t understand. How could this happen? I carried water with me everywhere!

But I realized having water nearby isn’t the same as actually consuming it.

I also realized my physical condition reflected my spiritual state at that moment. I had access to God, but I wasn’t making time to meet with Him, and in the busyness of life, my prayers had dwindled. My soul longed to rest in His presence. But by prioritizing an unending to-do list, I had become spiritually dehydrated.

In today’s key Bible verses, Jesus used the metaphor of water as an invitation to seek Him and be spiritually filled:

“… 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’” (John 7:37-38).

This passage boldly proclaims two key truths that direct us toward abundant life:

1. Christ alone is our satisfaction.

Jesus Himself is Living Water (John 4:14). We can approach Him with confidence because He promises to supply our every need both now and for eternity (Philippians 4:19).

2. When we believe in Jesus, our hearts flow with life.

The moment we trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwells within us (Romans 8:9). Scripture tells us the Holy Spirit is our present help as we await our heavenly home (John 14:16). Because of His nearness, we walk with peace today while holding on to the promise of eternal life to come.

Jesus grants us full access to His presence and His living water! Still, like I learned at the hospital, true transformation requires access plus action.

We can carry around our Bibles every day and remain unchanged. However, if we study Scripture and persist in prayer, by faith, we encounter the One who is worthy of our worship. He calms us with His perfect peace. He refreshes us with His rest. He embraces us with His steadfast love. He replenishes our languishing souls (Jeremiah 31:25), and as we wait on Him, we will never faint or grow weary (Isaiah 40:31).

No matter the challenges you face today, friend, come to Jesus. He will satisfy your deepest needs.

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing me with Your living water. My satisfaction comes from You alone. Let Your presence transform my heart and mind. Fill me with Your perfect peace as I seek You today. Help me see that more of You is all I need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

John 4:14, “but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (ESV).

Revelation 7:16-17, “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (ESV).

Where have you been looking for satisfaction? How can you prioritize a relationship with Jesus and see Him as your source today? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

© 2024 by Michelle Martino. All rights reserved.