Water is the essence of life in all living things. Most resources suggest about sixty-four ounces a day for the average adult human. Unfortunately, many of us drink alternative beverages that don’t provide the natural hydration of water. Additives can also pollute our bodies in ways beyond just wasted calories. Carbonation, caffeine, and sugar are the ones I can pronounce, but others are there for preservation, color, and taste.
Once upon a time, Ken and I drank quite a bit of soda. I learned quickly that I couldn’t deal with the sugar, then aspartame became my enemy, and Ken’s doctor told him to avoid carbonation and caffeine because they weaken bone structure. We both are blessed with osteoporosis, so all our favorite drinks were removed from our menu. We’ve been drinking water almost exclusively for nearly three decades. Our insulated cups follow us just about everywhere. We can always refresh ourselves with a nice long drink. And you know what? We’ve saved a lot of money at grocery stores and restaurants in addition to feeling better.
Speaking of thirst-quenching water, I’m reminded of the story in John about a Samaritan woman coming to Jacob’s well to draw water at midday and finding a Jewish man resting beside the well. He still had a long walk ahead of him, and he asked her for a drink of water to refresh his weary body. Now, bear in mind, this was a rather coarse woman, one whose reputation suffered greatly because of her life choices, thus her foray to the well under the hot midday sun while the other women of the community were at home going about their housekeeping chores.
She found the man’s request for water incredulous, as he was a Jew and it was well known that Jews and Samaritans were not friendly toward one another. She responded rather brashly, questioning why he would speak to her at all. And when he told her that he could offer her water that would never run dry, she asked just how he was going to accomplish that feat when he didn’t even have a bucket or a rope.
Jesus answered simply, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again.” John 4:13a
The conversation continued regarding her lifestyle choices, and she eventually realized this man was not referring to physical water, but rather a spiritual refreshment that would last a lifetime. She recognized Jesus as the prophesied Messiah, and she chose to receive the Living Water he offered. She became one of Jesus’ devoted followers.
Most of us have not lived the lifestyle of the Samaritan woman, and most of us will not encounter Jesus in the same way that she did. But we’ve all made our share of mistakes, and we’ll be vulnerable to more of them as long as we live on this side of heaven. But we can always draw near to the “Well” and find welcome rest there. Whenever our spiritual well runs dry, he rescues us from our thirst.
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land….you will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters will never fail. Isaiah 58:11
In the year 1953, Pastor Richard Blanchard was waiting for a group of parishioners to arrive when he wrote the hymn, Fill My Cup, Lord. He is said to have taken only twenty-six minutes to create one of the most beloved hymns of the Christian faith. It was inspired by the story of the woman at the well. I have included one verse and the chorus. You can find several versions on YouTube.
Fill My Cup, Lord
Like the woman at the well, I was seeking for things that could not satisfy.
And then I heard my Savior speaking—“Draw from my well that never shall run dry.”
Fill my cup, Lord; I lift it up Lord.
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.
Bread of Heaven, feed me til I want no more.
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.
