Poured Out

Wow, I'll tell you what, it's really hot this summer, isn't it? The only way to beat the heat is by finding the nearest shady tree, or a cold swimming pool.

This reminds me of another sweltering summer day many years ago when my children were very young... Our summer swim team decided to take a fun (a relative word) trip to Nashville Shores for the day. Since water parks give me the he-be-gee-bee's, I had no intention of getting wet; I was fully clothed, and my flip-flops were not coming off my feet. My mission for this hot day was to keep track of my four children amongst the rest of the hundreds of kids that had descended upon Nashville Shores.

I stationed my "post" by a small shallow pool where I could visibly see my younger two, Davis and Emmy, while Maggie and Bink were to check-in frequently. The attraction to this little pool was not only the water they were playing in, but also the anticipation of the water above them. Steadily and repeatedly, a HUGE bucket would fill to the brim, high above the children (and some grown-up kids). Once the bucket was full, it would then topple to it's side, and pour out all over those standing underneath. When this happened, the little children would scream with delight, their bodies would do jumping jacks, and then they would splash each other with glee. Sheer jubilation was experienced by all who were drenched from above. And, as I watched from my slither of shade that I found underneath a tall slide that was dripping luke-warm water down my neck, I became rather envious of my children's position...

Water--refreshing, rejuvenating, replenishing water--pouring out onto these children--anticipating, hoping, expecting children. Whenever I think of this scene, I hear the Lord say to my heart, "That's joy, my child." Now, listen to this truth about Jesus, our Living Water:

God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us... (Romans 5:8). And because of His death,

...the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:5).

Just like the water saturated my children that day, the true Living Water can also drench you and me--with joy! All we need is a child-like faith in Christ Jesus. Then, through His word, we can be replenished on a daily basis. Don't stand on the perimeter spiritually, like I was physically, on that more-than-hot day at Nashville Shores. The only thing I was drenched in was my own miserable sweat. Joy belonged to the children in the Water, not me.

Hear Jesus say to you today: "... The water that I shall give you shall become in you a well of water springing up to eternal life." (John 4:14)

The Living Water has been poured out. Join me, "grown-up child," let's beat life's continual heat, and get joyfully drenched.