Lately, the Lord has been inviting me to be refreshed by Him in the power of his Holy Spirit. In a particular way, I have been reflecting on the reality of Jesus as the living water. In the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to Himself as the source of living water, the one from whom we receive life. He says,

“If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, which those who believed in him were to receive; for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (John 7:37-39)

As I have been reflecting on this verse in prayer, the Holy Spirit has convicted me of two things.

First, Jesus’ invitation for all who thirst to come to Him provides us with an opportunity to reflect on what we have been going to for rest, refreshment, and life. For me, there are so many things I can go to for immediate consolation—my phone, distractions, and relationships that I can put before the Lord. When I go to other things to quench my thirst, I end up more thirsty and tired. The Lord has gently been inviting me to examine places in my life and my heart where I am looking for satisfaction in other things.

In addition, Jesus gives us a promise. Not only will He satisfy our thirst, but that very living water will flow from our hearts. He says that this will happen when He sends his Holy Spirit when He is glorified. Friends, there is good news – Jesus has been glorified! He is seated at the right hand of his Father, and through our baptism, the very source of living water dwells in each one of us. Jesus not only gives us living water, but He also lives in us, transforming us from the inside out.

These truths encourage me to live in the experiential reality that I can be satisfied and refreshed, and I can find what I need in Him who dwells within me. Christ wants to offer you living water, and each day he wants to give you refreshment and new life. All we have to do is ask Him and respond to his invitation.