Water Rationing

Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst. The water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (Jn. 4:13-14).

Last month, the city of Los Angeles began water rationing. Those of us who live within the city limits must reduce our water consumption by 15% from last year’s levels or face heavy fines. As I left for work this morning, I noticed how dry the lawns are around our neighborhood, and we have yet to experience the normal week-long periods of triple digit temperatures that are so common here during the summer. My rosebushes, too, are showing signs of needing water, as I’ve had to cut back from watering them daily to only watering twice a week. The edges of the blooms are becoming brown, thirsting as the deer longs for running streams (Ps. 42:1).

It makes me glad to know that God does not ration His grace – the “living water” that is the Holy Spirit. But there sure are signs that we as a people have rationed off our intake. Marriages and families are in trouble and people wonder why. The media and some politicians respond by proposing alternative lifestyle: If you don’t want to work hard at marriage and family life, that’s OK. Just do whatever you want and we’ll certify it as normal and acceptable.

I’ve returned recently to weekly prayer meeting attendance. I had noticed that my spirit was beginning to sag just a little bit – much like my roses. At first I thought it might be just let-down after a week of silent retreat in Colorado last month. But as I examined things more closely, I found a deeper need and even longing for this kind of encounter with the Holy, beyond my personal prayer. It is also nice to be able to praise and worship God in a setting where I don’t have to worry about having any role or responsibilities beyond whatever the Spirit might lead me to do or say during the course of that time together – something that can be difficult for me during regular Sunday worship because of my responsibilities as a cantor, accompanist and assistant choir director. The prayer meeting presents a wonderful opportunity to “fill the tank” with Living Water.

So if you’re feeling the drought in the spiritual department, try a little praise and worship! It is amazing what happens when we open the door to the floods of grace that God is longing to pour out upon those who are open to it.

Prayer Request: For those feeling spiritually dry and desolate

Prayer: O Lord, our God, we praise You for Your abundant goodness to us. We stand open and ready to receive the living waters of your Holy Spirit. Pour out this water upon us, that it might flow through us to a world that is thirsting for You, yet knows not its own need. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.