Living Water Awaits
“But the water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
-- John 4:14
Sometimes life just seems overwhelming. Do you know what I mean? It’s not that anything is particularly wrong. It’s just that the demands of everyday tasks and needs seem to drain everything out of you.
I ran into a friend the other day. Bless her heart. She just looked so tired. I ached for her because I know that feeling. She has started back to work. She wanted this job. She longed for this job. She prayed for this job. She even likes this job. But working with three kids is a whole lot different than with two kids. The juggling routine is weighing her down. She takes care of everyone’s needs but her own. She’s just too tired to do that.
My situation is totally different. It involves elderly parents, earning a living and teaching. These are all things I choose to do. Mostly it’s fine. Then someone gets sick or needy, or I get particularly busy with one job or the other, and suddenly I feel like all my balls are running loose and I can’t seem to catch them and put them back into place. It makes for funny imagery but hysteria isn’t far behind.
Most folks probably have a similar story though the details might vary. I’m sure there are one or two people who enjoy all the busyness and drama. They probably thrive on it. Not me. I’m too old and too tired. I’m long past the stage of surviving on five hours of sleep and perpetual motion. How about you?
“If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within.” -- John 7:38
I’ve learned to turn to the Bible when I’m too tired to go on. I let the words wash over me. I remember Elijah and how God sent angels to take care of him. I think of David as he hid from Saul again and again. How tiring that must have been.
As the words flow through me, I feel His peace descend over me. A calmness in knowing that I am not in control. Not ever, even when I know where all my balls are. God is in control. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I don’t have to have all the answers or meet everyone’s needs. I can trust Him with it all.
My energy returns and, with it, the ability to give out a little bit of what God has given to me. The living water inside of me cascades outward to those I encounter each day. That’s a pretty awesome thing. I don’t seem so tired, so overwhelmed. I drink my fill of Jesus and I never, ever run dry.
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