The area where we live is an irrigated desert, and has been suffering under a severe drought for several years now, making the dirt road up to our home especially dusty. Even on the days I am diligent enough to dust off the furniture, by late in the day a fine layer has begun forming again. Our cars are in constant need of being washed, just to remove the dust from the road.
On our way into town, we can see the few places where underground springs still poke through leaving small puddles of water where they are, and lush green growth around them. A stark contrast to the many trees that have died because of the drought.
As we approach the end of the drive down the canyon road, the sky looks brown from all the dust that hasn't been washed away because of lack of rain. In addition the air quality in the valley has become increasingly worse, as almond and walnut farmers harvest their crops. The dry soil forms great clouds of dust making it difficult to see and breathe. The only escape is to drive over the mountains towards the coast, or up into the Sierras towards Yosemite where water isn't as scarce.
There is something deeply satisfying standing at the edge of the ocean, near a river or next to a waterfall that exhilarates one's soul. Even thinking about the beautiful sound of the rushing water, causes me to breathe in deeply and exhale slowly.
Water refreshes.
How lovely that our Lord Jesus Christ speaks of Himself as being the living water.
If you recall, the Samaritan woman had come to the well when all of the other women were done, and was surprised when Jesus spoke to her, as Jews had no dealings with Samaritans. He was sitting next to the well and asked her to give Him a drink. When she expressed her surprise at being asked Jesus revealed the truth to her that the water she gathered at the well would only satisfy temporarily, where those who drank of the water He supplies would never thirst again. (John 4:6-14)
"...a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." Jesus speaking John 4:14
I love that. No matter how dry the earth has become because of the drought, here and there we still see evidence of water. Even in the patches in the road where springs have forced their way through asphalt, only to be covered again, have puddles beginning to form. The water continues to push through.
Sweet evidences of God's provision for the wild animals in the area, and a precious reminder to me that He is still in control. Even in the severest drought, He provides.
I pray you will find the places of refreshment in your journey and hope, as you drink deeply of the water He supplies.
May He be glorified in all we say and do.
"..whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." ~Jesus
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