The Living Water

John 4:39-42
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers.

They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

I was thirsty.

After knee replacement and other surgeries, I experienced the ice chip diet. To keep my stomach from upset, the nurse offered me small chips of frozen water. As refreshing as the chips were, they didn’t quench my thirst. I longed for more.

In life, searching and reaching for dreams has led me down some roads that didn’t satisfy. A rabbit trail into a writing foray God never intended. A job that led to frustration. No matter how hard I tried to make them fit my life, they didn’t.

We tend to search for answers and not like the results. The Samaritan woman Jesus met at the well had struggled with relationships. She’d veered from God’s path for her life and found herself thirsty. When she met Jesus, she realized she’d been missing out on the living water. The water that quenches all thirst. She’d lifted the bucket and dipped from Jacob’s well many times, but she’d never tasted from the living water Jesus offered.

When he opened his heart to this woman and spoke truth to her, she believed in the power of Jesus to save her from a life of sin. She longed to dip into the waters of eternal life, and she shared her experience with everyone in her town.

Whether you’ve dipped in Jesus’ well or are drawn to consider his plan of salvation, know that his well of living water never runs dry. He asks us to believe then he offers understanding. With his living water he promises life everlasting.

Faith then Understanding

Sometimes I try too hard to understand God's plan.

I'm learning to have faith, then be obedient and understand.

It's not easy, but it is a much better experience.

I have less stress and anxiety when I choose to believe and follow, 

instead of push and plod.

 

The Hope of Wisdom

The best advice I can think of, to navigate this world, is to seek God's wisdom.

Without wisdom and understanding, 

I'd be floating like flotsam and jetsam on a sea of despair.

With God's wisdom and understanding, 

I have hope that leads to joy and peace.

 

The Joy of Discovery

Proverbs 2:1-6

My son, if you accept my words
    and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom
    and applying your heart to understanding—
indeed, if you call out for insight
    and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

I love learning.

I wasn't fond of school, but I enjoyed the process of discovering new and interesting things. Even as a child, I challenged myself to study the Little Golden Guides to identify butterflies and flowers. Recently, I found a couple of these timely little books in one of the local park shops. I bought them for nostalgic reasons, plus I still enjoy identifying God's creatures. The fields and woods that surrounded my childhood home offered a fascinating classroom for my curious mind. I'd trudge through the field looking for insects, especially butterflies. Along with my love of nature, I enjoyed arts and crafts. I embroidered and sewed from a young age then as an adult I've added quilting and needle felting to my repertoire.

As I've aged, my curiosity has grown. Not just with my hobbies, but with my desire to dig up nuggets of wisdom in the Bible. As I open God's word, I long to understand the teachings. The scripture says I should seek out understanding and insight as if I'm searching for a buried treasure. Once I find even a grain of the knowledge God offers, I need to tuck those words into my heart.

Through his words of wisdom, I have come to understand what it means to fear the Lord. I've asked myself at times why I should fear the one who loves me. My answer: I fear the Lord with a respectful fear, he is all knowing and all powerful. He's my Father, and I trust him.

Seek God's wisdom and he will give you knowledge and understanding.

Trust Him!

God calls us to trust Him. 

Not easy, I know.

But I also understand that the God who created the universe, 

the God who makes the flowers bloom and the birds sing,

 loves me so much He wants to give me His wisdom and guidance.

Just give it to me. Free of charge! You can't beat that.