Living Water From a Gushing Fountain

Have you ever been in a situation where you were extremely thirsty? Where you were so parched that you thought you could not take another step—unless you took a swallow of water? Well, that happened to me some years ago. I was traveling by myself, attending a women’s ministries event in Canada. I had numerous connections before I reached my destination.

Once I deplaned, I was desperate to visit the women’s restroom immediately—if you know what I mean. As is always the case, there was a huge line waiting.

I had an extremely close connection to make—of course—at the other end of the terminal. As I waited in line, I heard my name, “Mary Maxson, please come to Gate ___.” I had not been able to use the facility yet. I impatiently waited for the next available facility. It finally opened. In the words of a Rolaids television commercial years ago, “How do you spell r-e-l-i-e-f?” Whew! I was finally able to find some relief! I ran out to the terminal and pleaded with the driver of a nearby security cart to take me to my gate because they were calling my name. When we arrived, they ushered me to the gateway and onto the plane.

I was so parched, I could hardly walk the gangplank to enter the plane.

Huffing and puffing, I asked the flight attendant for a cup of water—she told me to take a seat and she would bring it to me. I plopped into the airline seat, thirsty! As I ponder John 4:14, I begin to recount the times when I am spiritually thirsty for the Holy Spirit to flood me with His gushing water. Am I hustling and bustling around with busyness, or do I stop and thirst for Him? Today, I yearn to reach out for that water from the gushing fountain of God’s Word.

As you meditate on this scripture, ask yourself three questions: What does this text say about God? What does this text say about me? What does this text say about me and my walk with God?

Mary H. Maxson