Today was extremely hot, but the weeds had gotten so tall that I finally gave in and climbed onto the riding mower. The blazing sun beat down on everything around me, and by the time I reached the last section of the yard, I was more than ready to be finished.
As I mowed, birds swooped down behind me to catch the bugs stirred up by the mower. Between flights they perched on the fence, holding their wings away from their bodies and panting with their beaks open, trying to cool themselves in the relentless heat.
My heart hurt for them.
I stopped the mower and searched around the yard for something I could use as a birdbath. I grabbed a tomato cage, balanced a plastic flower-pot saucer in one of the rings, and filled it with fresh, cool water. Then I placed it beside the fence where the birds had been resting.
As soon as I stepped away, they hopped closer.
I smiled, expecting them to drink immediately.
Instead, they hesitated.
They stared at the water but never took a sip. Even though relief was sitting right in front of them, they were too cautious to enjoy what had been provided.
Standing there, I suddenly realized how often I do the very same thing with God.
How many times do we feel exhausted, overwhelmed, anxious, or spiritually dry while the refreshment we need has already been placed before us?
We pray for peace, yet leave our Bible closed.
We ask God for direction but hesitate to trust His Word.
We long for comfort while overlooking the living water He freely offers.
Jesus said:
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13–14 NIV
God has never hidden the source of true refreshment.
His Word is available.
His presence is near.
His grace is sufficient.
The question isn’t whether He has provided the water. The question is whether we’ll take a drink.
Heavenly Father,
thank You for always providing what my soul truly needs. Forgive me for the times I search everywhere else for peace while Your Word has been waiting for me all along. Help me to trust You, draw near to You each day, and drink deeply from the living water only Jesus can give. Refresh my heart and strengthen my faith.
In Jesus’ name, amen.