October 3

Written by Bill Grandi on October 3rd, 2019

My title for this devotion is Hydrated vs Unsatisfied.

I rode my bike two days this week. I would have ridden three if I had not had an eye doctor appointment yesterday (Wednesday). Both days the temps were in the 90s with high humidity. Just the way I like it! Typical Indiana weather…in August! Highly unusual for October but I love and took advantage of it. People ask me how I do it. Not only do I like that kind of weather (it is easier on the joints), but there is one key ingredient: hydration. As I got ready to ride one of those days, a lady who is a nurse commented on me riding in the heat. When I told her I liked it she said, “Hydration. Stay hydrated.” I reassured her I did. I have two insulated water bottles-one of Gatorade Zero and one of water-which have been partially frozen so I have cold drinks for my ride.

This came back to me today as I read from John 4-Jesus’ exchange with the Samaritan woman at the well. In the exchange found in verses 7-14 Jesus asks for a drink.  Her inquisitive nature opens the door to one of Jesus’ greatest statements: “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 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 well of water welling up to eternal life.” (verses 13-14)

Of course Jesus is not speaking of physical water. One will be thirsty again. But to drink of Him leads to satisfaction. That doesn’t mean that to come to Him ends all need for more. My hunger and thirst for Him never ends. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for he shall be satisfied.” (Mt.5:6) But it does mean the end of my searching and longing for satisfaction and meaning to life. It does mean peace has been found. Jesus knew the woman at the well was empty. He also knew her search was hopeless without Him.

So I see this going two ways:

  1. He is the one who is the answer to my (and everyone else’s) longing and searching.
  2. May I never stop hungering and thirsting after Him.

“Father, You have the answers to all the longing and searching people go through. You answered mine. But may I never cease hungering and thirsting for You. May I always long to stay hydrated.”

 

9 Comments so far ↓

  1. Oh yes, me too, LORD!!

  2. Ryan S. says:

    Staying hydrated is so important, both physically and spiritually. Love the application… The heat, not so much.

  3. Crystal says:

    I have noticed that the moment I allow busyness, or other good things tamper my quest for Him (the hungering and thirsting) it always leads to falling prey to sin amd temptation and simply a loss of focus. I can’t afford to allow anything or anyone get between me and my relationship and quest for Him! Thanks for this reminder! Need to be reminded often!

    • Bill Grandi says:

      you’re welcome Crystal. No question being alert to what is happening is important.

  4. Oh, I can’t be on the same page with you when it comes to the heat, Bill. We are suffering down here in GA with record-breaking temps in the 90s. Where’s fall??? Hopefully, it arrives this Saturday!
    But the message today? I’m right with you on that one!
    Blessings!

  5. floyd says:

    Amen. He is the Alpha and Omega…