March 13

A Living Spring

But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life. — John 4:14 BSB

The soul was made for God, and when it returns to Him, it finds peace and satisfaction. This doesn’t mean that a Christian no longer has desires, for longing is part of the path to greater blessings. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” If there’s no thirst, there’s no real life. The dove that left the ark flew over the empty waters, finding no place to rest, until it returned to the ark, where it was welcomed and found warmth, safety, and peace.

This story of the dove reflects the journey of the soul that searches for rest everywhere, only to finally return to God. How much better it would be if people understood this universal truth and turned to God right away! An immortal soul cannot find what it needs anywhere but in God.

This word of Christ also tells us what true religion is. It starts in the heart. It’s not just a set of rules to follow, an example to imitate, or a guide to live by. True religion is new spiritual life in the soul. It is Christ Himself dwelling within us. It’s a fountain of life, not a stagnant cistern, but a living spring that flows continuously. This fountain is fed from heaven, and no matter how dry the world becomes, this inner spring will never run dry because it’s connected to the river of life flowing from God’s throne. If we are true Christians, we carry our faith with us, wherever we go. We’re not dependent on circumstances for our joy. Troubles won’t destroy a Christian, because the source of joy is within. This fountain of life is the beginning of eternal life.