We are all probably knowledgeable that there are underground streams of water below our feet, cisterns of natural flowing waters of which we did not create. They solely exist by the very providence of God, our Creator. Thus, all we can do is dig wells, in an attempt to tap into them. Once that is achieved, these waters are released, bringing a blessing to God’s creation.
Now, as we follow God’s emphasis on what it means to have a genuine Christian experience, it is essential that we grasp, and understand, what I just shared.
Jesus said, “Those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again” (John 4:14). You see, we can only profit from the waters that God offers, and will only experience His blessings when we understand the necessity, then, of digging wells – meeting with Him daily – reading the Word, prayer, meditation, etc.
However, from my observation, I fear there is very little fresh water flowing. It seems we have moved on to other sites and other wells. It seems we have grown wary of self-discipline and serious, wholehearted commitment. It seems we have sought and embraced different methods – methods that appear to be more entertaining and less costly.
But consider for a moment, the wells of God’s water, that represent the doctrines, methods, and channels by which we used to obtain water – salvation through Jesus – God’s free gift to a sinning, dying world. For us, the flow began when Jesus opened His great heart as He died on the cross. We continued to grow when church was not an option or a convenience, when communion and prayer were ever sought, the Word was our authority, Creeds had meaning, and the assembling of the church was non-negotiable. None of these came easily, but the results, the growth, was amazing. Like going through a workout – though difficult when doing, feels great when done.
Now listen, we may be tempted to think that we simply need to pray, to ask God to re-open those wells, but I contend that would be wrong. You see, the water is still there, ever flowing. What we need is to stop looking for simpler, easier, less costly ways of securing it, and rather, get back to digging wells – being in the Word regularly, praying fervently and passionately, getting back to worshiping in the house of the Lord each week, and getting about being light in a dark world.
