In Times of Drought

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:37-38)

Other than the presidential race, the most enduring news from the summer is the drought impacting much of the nation.  High temperature records are being broken nearly every day.  Rain is scarce and when it comes, it’s usually accompanied by damaging winds and lightning.  Corn and soybean crops are withering away, which will soon affect prices at the grocery store.  Rationing on the use of water is likely just around the corner.

All of this got me to thinking about a drought of a different kind – a drought of faith.  When folks don’t have Christ in their lives – or if He has been pushed aside by the demands and sufferings that come with living in the world – then a drought ensues.  Just like with the physical drought our nation is experiencing now, it is possible to function in the midst of a faith drought.  One can continue to work and engage in daily activities, but there’s something missing and although it’s hard to pinpoint, it’s tangible – a spark, a sense of purpose, a feeling of direction, of genuineness, of acceptance, or of love.  The absence of these things does not prevent one from getting through the day, but the weight of that absence makes it more difficult and far less joyful.  The longer the drought, the more difficult it becomes.

If you recall, 2011 was an especially wet year for this part of the country – the annual rainfall total was well above normal.  We were thankful for the water we needed and we did our best to deal with the excess and the gloomy skies.  This year, we are baked and arid, the mere sight of a cloudy sky filling us with hope.  Generations of humanity have dealt with the cyclical changes of Creation.  But whether it’s a time of feast or famine, in nature or in our souls, there is a well-spring of Life at the ready.  He is always waiting to fill us up when we are empty, and He gives us the desire to water the souls of those around us when our cups run over.  All we need is to trust the endurance of the source.

No matter what season we may be in, if we trust in Jesus with all that we have, rivers of living water will flow from within us, nourishing ourselves and those around us – at exactly the right time, in exactly the right amount.  It will flow from within us because that is where the Spirit of the Living God resides – and only good can flow from God’s dwelling place.