I was watching a television documentary the other day on the state of our underground water supply, and it reminded me of Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well. The emptiness of that woman's soul reminded me of the sadness that I have seen around me lately as we have had several moving funerals at our church. I watched sorrowful faces go by, looking so lost. When we lose a loved one, the feelings of grief show on the face; a soul is bereft. Loneliness fills the heart vacated by a loved one. What can we do? What can Christian friends do?

What does Jesus do? He gives her living water!

John 4:10,13-14 – Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, 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." (NLT)

Ah, living water! That is the gift of life needed at such sad times when one is feeling so empty. Will human friendship fill such emptiness? It helps, but what is needed is Christ to fill the hurting soul with His love. That is the gift of life that makes such a difference. Jesus didn't offer her water from the well that was right there. No, He offered her Himself — and that was amazing, seeing that she was an outsider, a Samaritan. When someone feels like an outsider in the church fellowship, Jesus steps in offering Himself.

The gift of life fills our hearts with what is missing: love. God's love is the gift that we all need and have in Jesus. It brings us back to life. As we open up to receive His gracious gift, we feel the horrible emptiness go away. Our souls, our hearts beat again with joy, for He truly loves us. It is at such empty times that we experience the truth of God's living water. The gift of His love awakens our souls again, and we rejoice. When drinking from His gift of life eternal, the dryness goes away, and we can sing again.

O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in Thee;
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.
       – George Matheson, 1842-1906, who, in his twentieth year,
       became blind but continued his resolve to enter the ministry.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we rejoice in Your love, for it takes the heaviness from our hearts. May each day strengthen us to serve others, for in Your love, there are ways to serve the needs of others. With Your love, there is courage and no fear of the future, for all the emptiness is gone. Thank You, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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