Living Water

Living Water
written by Chris Baker

There are two identical plants sitting in a kitchen window, one is healthy and growing, the other is withering; why is the one flourishing and the other dying? I am no expert on botany, however, common sense tells me it’s the source of water. The plant cannot grow or get its nutrients from the soil without water. How does this example apply to our spiritual lives? Psalm 1 tells us the answer. 

Psalm 1 (Click here to read Psalm 1) begins with a warning. The Psalmist warns against walking, standing or sitting in the place of the ungodly. Do not be a part of, imitate in any way or take on the persona of the ungodly. Why? The Psalmist explains that such people are like chaff carried away by the wind. The warning is to avoid evil at all costs. Rather, one is blessed if they choose to delight in the Lord. 

What sorts of things do you delight in? What brings you great amounts of pleasure? I am sure we could list many things that we delight in, although, does that list supersede your delight in God? Hopefully, you see the Lord in all the things that you enjoy. The Psalmist says the one who finds great joy in the Word of God will be blessed. This type of person loves the Scriptures and takes great joy in meditating on them constantly. King David says that we should store the Word of God in our hearts (Psalm 119:11). If Scripture is in our hearts, then we can very easily bring it to mind and dwell upon it. You may be asking, “how then does a person store Scripture in their heart?” The key is found in Psalm 1.

The tree which is planted by a stream has a constant source of water. This tree flourishes because the roots are constantly connected to a water source, which allows the tree to continue to grow and remain healthy. Such a person prospers because they are constantly dwelling on the Word of God. Believers who meditate on the Word will come to know the heart and mind of Christ; being able to know the will of God. 

Where do we see Jesus in this Psalm? Jesus describes Himself as the living water. Those who thirst after Him will be satisfied (John 7:37-39). Believers have the opportunity to be connected to the source of living water. Jesus not only delighted in the law of God; He fulfilled the law of God. Jesus only did what He saw His Father do and said what He heard the Father say (John 5:19). Jesus was always about His Fathers business. Jesus encouraged people to build their foundation on solid ground, not sinking sand (Matthew 7:24-29). Those who build their foundation on Jesus will prosper, much like the tree planted by the water. The house on sinking sand will wash away, just like the chaff that is blown away in the coming wind. Many have no foundation or roots. Like the withering plant, they are weak and dying, though they don’t know it.

Delight in the Word of God today. Desire the will of God in your life. Build your foundation on Jesus and be connected to Him, the source of living water. The Believer who does this will prosper in their faith. They will continue to grow into the image of the Son. Believers who spend time in the Word of God will begin to enjoy it, store it in their hearts, meditate upon it and be transformed by it. This kind of relationship with Jesus will always grow, prosper and bear much fruit! Plant yourself in the Word of God today and allow Jesus Christ to flourish in your heart, mind, and soul!