Rivers of Living Water

John 7:37-39 – “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”

People have often tried to quench that inner void in their lives through various things such as recreation, success, popularity, narcotics, and even religion. He invites those who are thirsty to come to Him and drink. By faith, we can receive Him as Savior and find the peace that He alone can provide. He then promises that He will place a spring of living water within those who truly belong to Him. This, of course, refers to the Holy Spirit who indwells the children of God at the moment of their conversion. The Holy Spirit from within provides the peace and fulfillment that we all need. This is the promise of God – rivers of living water flowing from within His children.

Jesus is able to satisfy the thirsty soul, but where are the thirsty souls? Where are the souls that thirst for God, to know God in His fullness? Far too many are satisfied with their religion and no meaningful relationship with God. Even many who profess to be born again exhibit little desire for a closer walk with the Lord. Where is the heart of David who said, “my soul thirsteth for thee” (Psalm 63:1)?

It is safe to say that one reason we do not see more of a manifestation of God’s grace and power working in our lives and Churches is because of this lack of thirst or desire. The promise of Isaiah 44:3 is “I will pour water upon him that is thirsty.” May God help us to maintain a thirst for God and His glory in our lives and continue to trust Him for His grace and power to be manifest in and through us. This great promise is to him “that believeth on me.” This sincere faith is not limited to the faith that trusts in Christ’s death on the cross as the provision for our redemption, but also includes the faith that continues to rely on Him as our all in all. When we are saved, the Holy Spirit immediately indwells our lives, but He wants to fill us and flow out of us. To those who thirst for Him, and look to Him in utter dependence, He promises “rivers of living water.”