I had been away from home for a few days during a heat wave. When I returned, I went to the kitchen sink and glanced at the myriad of houseplants that sit on my counter in front of the window. Wilted. Lifeless. Sad looking. Clearly needing water. I grabbed my watering can, gave them each a good drink, and didn’t think any more of it that day.

The next morniing when I returned to the kitchen sink, I was struck by how alive and perky my plants were. Such a difference. That drink of water from the day before completely transformed them back to health, vibrancy, and life. 

That was when the Holy Spirit spoke directly to my heart – “Living Water,” He whispered. The message was so clear, I literally repeated it out loud to myself. Living Water. What He revealed was that, in the same way my plants needed water, I, too, need the Living Water Jesus offers. It’s a phrase I’ve heard my entire Christian life, but for some reason, that morning at the kitchen sink, the word picture of my plants spoke new life into the profound truth of God’s promise in scripture; the contrast of a life with His water compared to one without, became crystal clear to me that day.

When I allow the Living Water of God to wash over me, I am changed – just like my plants. If I neglect my required watering, I become thirsty. I can sit in front of a sunny window or do the superfluous things that make me momentarily happy, but for a truly healthy, full, vibrant life, I need the Living Water that only Jesus offers. I need to soak in His word. I need to spend time in prayer. I need to worship. I need to fellowship with others who follow Him. I need to talk about Him, lean on Him, love Him, and fully accept His love for me. I need watering to stay fully alive and well, and it is up to me to seek the source of that water. 

“Jesus replied, ‘If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask, and I would give you living water…. Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But, those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them giving them eternal life.’” John 4: 10, 13-14