Every now and then, deep unsatisfied longings well up within us, don’t they? We may seem to have everything our hearts desire and ought to be perfectly satisfied. But still these vague dissatisfactions diminish our happiness.
Because we live in the land of plenty, with freedom, opportunity, and abundance all around us, without oppression it’s easy for us to think that we are entitled to and easy life where everything goes our way. Then we look on Facebook or as Pastor of Elevation Church, Steven Furtick calls it, “Fakebook”, and we see how everyone else has such an awesome life, so we should too.
But things aren’t perfect this side of heaven. In fact, Jesus lets us know that in this world, we will have trouble: irritable babies, IRS audits, car accidents, bum knees, job loss, hair loss, cellulite, need I say more? All kidding aside—even the horrors of mass shooting and rumors of war. We have the promise of a perfect world in heaven, but when we feel the pangs of trouble on this mortal soil, we can remember Jesus words in John 7: 37, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.
When you feel the pangs of an imperfect live robbing you of the joy of all that you do have, recite this verse and remember that ultimately the most important thing you do have is the water of life, abundant life on earth an eternal life in heaven. It’s Christ’s gift to you, free for the asking. As you say the verse, imagine how Jesus looked when he said these words: the kindness, the understanding, the peace on His face. Try picturing yourself receiving from Him a drink of cold water, symbolic of the water of life that completely satisfies thirst, so that you will never be thirsty again. Affirm that gift of grace and salvation that He offers you, and let the peace of that prize soak into your soul. Things won’t be perfect for a few decades on this earth, but we have the rest of eternity to rest in perfection. Can I get and AMEN?