Photo by Leo Rivas on Unsplash
Last week we talked about light. Light is a real, dynamic, powerful, and essential part of the world around us. It is also an intimate aspect of physical life. It is also a powerful illustration of the reality and truth all around us. We see light, it shows us the textures of color and tone. Allowing us to navigate a host of truths in our environment. Similarly, our other senses give us additional information for interpreting the truths and the lies with which we are bombard. This week we will talk about water, starting with our spiritual longing and satisfaction.
“And God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.” (Genesis 1:6-8 ESV)
Now we come to the creation of water. The second day of creation highlights that God made a decision. He divided the waters above from the waters below. Think of it as the seas and the clouds. So many things are happening here. The water cycle is created along with the first weather patterns. It rains and flows. It is liquid and ice, vapor and steam.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters” (Psalm 23:2 ESV).
From creation flash forward to when we were created in the waters of the womb. Every day we must have a significant amount of water to maintain our hydration. We have a complicated relationship with water. We drink, wash, bath, swim, and surf it; We pour, plunge, and immerse with it.
“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God” (Psalm 42:1 ESV).
This text has become a classic and beautiful picture of spiritual desire and its fulfillment by God’s provision. It is also a picture of the gospel. The gospel essentially is this: we have a need, food, water, shelter, and to be loved. All these needs are fulfilled by the love and creative power of God. Another way to say it is that we have a thirst and God gives us a drink. God provides rest and refreshment in the same way a shepherd cares for his lambs. Our part is yearning and seeking, working, and praying. God’s part is Providence, providing for our needs.
“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1 ESV).
The Psalmist calls out to God, saying he is spiritually in need. His soul thirsts and he even physically faints for God. Sometimes it takes that kind of need to be reminded of our need for God.
Try this — Today when you’re thirsty, take a moment and enjoy the refreshment when it’s provided. It’s the perfect time to give God credit for what he has done through the Creation. A moment of stillness and praise, even gratitude for the gift.
Journal this — What other desires (needs or wants) do you have that can be fulfilled by your response to the creation or calling on God for help? Make a list of the times when you didn’t know if help was coming and were surprised when it came through. If God was faithful in the past, won’t he be faithful again? Are there some opportunities or challenges, faith, or doubts that you could write about?
–Glen
Prayerfully consider donating to 8 Moves. Your support helps us create and share spiritual resources. Gifts are tax-deductable. Click here: 8Moves.com