Like the Israelites, contemporary Christians find themselves living in a wilderness. The culture around us does not embrace our values, and it can be tiring to live a life of service among people who don?t return our love.
As we try to impact our world, God often challenges us to face our fears and perform tasks that we feel incapable to perform. We may find ourselves enduring the dust of discouragement and the painful rocks of criticism and hatred.
As we face this wilderness, Christians can identify with the psalmist who thirsts for God. Sometimes we feel as though we just can?t continue. We have given of ourselves until there seems to be nothing left, and we feel empty and alone.
At times like these, God?s people need to go to En Gedi—a place where they renew their strength and enjoy God?s living water. Whether it be personal prayer, Bible study, worship with believers, or walks through creation, Jesus? disciples must take time for activities that fill us up.
If we don?t drink God?s living water, we risk burnout. But when we do find our refreshment in God, we will find strength for the days ahead. ?The water I give [you] will become in [you] a spring of water?? (John 4:13—14).
