March 13

A Living Spring

Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. — John 4:14

The soul was made for God, and when it returns to God it finds peace and satisfaction. It is not meant here, of course, that the Christian has no more desires; for longing is the very condition of more blessedness. “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.” If there is no thirst there really is no life. The dove that flew away from the ark went on weary wing everywhere, but found only a wide waste of desolate waters, with no place to alight. Then she flew back to the ark, and was gently drawn inside, where she found warmth, safety, and rest.

The story of the dove illustrates the history of the soul that wanders everywhere seeking rest, at last returning to God. How much better if men believed this truth of universal experience and went at once to God! An immortal soul, from its very nature, cannot find what it needs anywhere save in God Himself.

This word of Christ tells us also what true religion is. It begins in the heart. It is not something outside, a mere set of rules or laws to be obeyed, a guide to be followed, an example to be copied. It is new spiritual life in the soul. It is Christ Himself coming into the heart and dwelling there. It is a fountain of life, not a mere cistern, but a living spring open and ever flowing. It is fed from heaven, and no matter then how dry this world may be, this living fountain in the heart shall never be exhausted, for its connection is with the river of life, which flows out from under God’s throne. Wherever we go we have our religion with us, in us, if we are true Christians. We are not dependent upon circumstances. Trouble does not destroy a Christian, because the fountain of his joy is within. This new fountain of life when opened in the soul is the beginning of eternal life.