Earlier this week I was able to take a couple of days with my husband to get away and disconnect. I am embarrassed to admit that I had NO idea how much I needed it. Five kids, full time ministry, assisting grandparents, and walking alongside a husband who is doing his best to begin a new career has taken all of my attention these days. I thought I was good with God, after all I was still reading my Bible, (even delivering a sermon a couple weeks ago on what I was learning) praying throughout my day as things came up, and pouring God’s love into North River and my family. I had felt a little overwhelmed by all of the juggling, but I have kept everything going pretty well. I felt “on top” of things.

What I didn’t realize as I went through the motions of keeping “all the things” together was that somewhere along the way, I had disconnected from the true source of all of my strength and ability.

God’s presence… His still small voice and the joy and wonderment that comes from basking in the knowledge that first and foremost above all of the things that I am – I am His Child, loved and cherished for who I am… not what I do.

In John 4 Jesus meets a woman at a well in Samaria. In their exchange Jesus tells her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” He continues, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:10, 13-14)

Confused, she thinks he is talking about never having to physically labor to find and have water again. Her understanding was so much smaller than what Jesus was actually offering.

How often do we go for and try to live on that “physical water?” We carry out jobs, relationships, and responsibilities in our own strength and rely on our abilities to get through? When the God of all creation – the God who took on our sin and died for us offers us so much more!

What did I learn this week (or reminded of, I should say)? My own ability and strength will never be enough to sustain me completely. I HAVE to go to the Source by removing distraction and quieting my soul and being still before the God who loves me. I have to ask for living water instead of trying to be satisfied by physical water.

When is the last time you sat still and silent before God – no distractions and just basked in his love? Take some time today to do just that and ask the One who gives abundantly to fill you with “living water” in his presence.

Grace & Peace,

Kristie Peck

Next Generation Pastor

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