out of the ordinary | the waters

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. This week we're looking at all things watery. Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary through each of them. Amen.

“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water." Jeremiah 2:13, NIV

In ancient times cities were built surrounded by strong powerful walls, difficult to penetrate and so an enemy wanting to attack a city would cut off its water by damming up the river that supplied it. Very quickly the city’s inhabitants would become weak, sick, or die from dehydration. As a result, the city would easily be overrun.

But this reference to streams in Jeremiah tells us we don't need an enemy to dam our water source. We can do that all by ourselves. The two sins God speaks about are both caused by our desire for independence, our longing to become the masters of our own destiny. Who needs the care of a Higher Power when we can manage everything ourselves?

Psalm 46:4 tells us there is an ever-flowing stream we have access to. It supplies God’s people with all we need for abundant life - things such as joy, peace, hope - even when times are tough. We need never be in a weakened state, never be easily overcome, because there is a river available that flows right from the heart of God to us every moment of every day.

Let's pray
Father, thank you that I can experience fullness in life by staying close to the Source. Provide that check in my spirit at those times when I rush ahead of your plans and purposes, when I think I know better, when I stop drinking from the fountain of life. In Jesus' name. Amen.