It is remarkable how easily we take the blessings of daily conveniences for granted. Anyone who has traveled or lived through natural disaster can understand the challenge of going without the basics for even a short period. Do we ever take the Lord’s presence for granted? It is there for us to draw upon, yet so often we ignore its necessity…
Invite students to consider this, and be reminded of its importance yourself. Have kids come up with a list of their daily activities. Help them to brainstorm each task they complete, including brushing teeth, using the bathroom, eating a snack, or completing a chore. Take a look at the items they do on a regular basis. Now, imagine doing those things without any water. Is it possible? While some activities might be able to forgo the use of water, many things we do all of the time require it. Water is a critical component of so much. Just the basics of daily human function demand that we have quality hydration in our bodies. We are 60% water, after all…God created us with an essential need for it! And water is so important in cleaning, cooking, hygiene, and so much more that we take for granted. We hardly notice how much of it we use…until it suddenly doesn’t work. Then the vital nature of clean water becomes suddenly apparent.
Encourage students to consider how Christ is sometimes like this. Jesus called Himself the living water, which will never leave us thirsty. We know that God is always available, but we sometimes do not take advantage of that. We try to do things on our own and wind up soiled, unsanitary, and dehydrated. We neglect the well that is so close and accessible. We NEED God’s help just to take a breath. Every part of our day draws from Him. But sometimes we ignore Him until we are at the end of our rope.
Don’t wait to hit rock bottom. Take time now to appreciate God’s presence and drink deeply of it. Allow His spirit to fill you, and do not hesitate to accept His ever-ready aid.
Jesus answered, “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 4:13-14