Grow Through The Gospels - John 7

Read: John 7

John 7:37-38 "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.'"

Think

Mexico City is sinking. According to a Washington Post article, "So much water has been pumped out from the aquifer beneath Mexico City to satisfy 21 million residents that the ground is collapsing at a catastrophic rate." The city has dropped 30 feet in the past century and continues to sink around 20 inches a year.

Is something similar happening to you spiritually? You've given so much to others that your energy is drained. You feel exhausted and depleted as if your life is collapsing in on itself. What started as a noble effort to help others has become a personal struggle through a desert. When we constantly give without replenishing our spiritual reserves, we can find ourselves in this place of spiritual drought.

Jesus said, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" (John 7:37-39). He painted a picture of abundant supply—not just a trickle, but rivers of living water produced by the Holy Spirit, who is given to everyone who trusts in Christ. Are you thirsting for a spiritual renewal? Jesus invites you to find deep satisfaction and an inexhaustible supply in him. If you are weary, lean into Jesus and spend more time with him.

There's a spiritual principle here, expressed by author Andrew Murray: "Wherever there is life, there is a continual interchange of taking in and giving out. The one depends on the other—the giving out increases the power of taking in. Only in the emptiness that comes from parting with what we have can the divine fullness flow in." Jesus invites all who are thirsty to come to him and drink, to put their faith in him, and to be filled with the joy and renewal only he can provide. Maybe it's time to spend more time with him.

The words of Saint Augustine resonate here: "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you."

Apply

Are any of your daily activities or habits distracting you or taking time away from your quiet time with Jesus? Set boundaries with these activities and/or replace them with things that draw you closer to him.

Pray

Lord, I feel drained and weary in my spiritual walk with you. I have looked and run after things that leave me unsatisfied. Help me to seek fulfillment and contentment from you alone. In Jesus' name. Amen.