Once again I’ve shown up to a new country and been surrounded by a breathtaking view of the mountains. My house in Boone has always been in the mountains but now halfway across the world I am finding new peaks and valleys to call home. I feel a deep sense of groundedness and peace when I am surrounded by something so sure and steady. Being able to wake up every morning and see the view that I get to is such a treat.
The other morning I was sitting by the river watching the clouds roll over the mountains and a man named Augustine came up and introduced himself. He told me that he was working on a construction project and the water went out so he was coming to the river to collect some free water. I immediately thought of Isiah 55 which says:
“Is anyone thirsty?
Come and drink–
Even if you have no money”
Later that day a weary mother welcomed us to her home and told us that nothing she had been doing was bringing her satisfaction. She was thirsty for fulfillment. All of her efforts fell short. Again, I was brought back to Isiah 55. I told this woman who was thirsty for satisfaction what the Lord has been teaching me about the topic. I told her that the only form of TRUE satisfaction comes from the Lord.
A group of policemen looked across the table with an emptiness in their eyes. Their faces curious as we told them the only thing that can satisfy their souls is completely F R E E.
Aren’t we all like this man drawing free water, this weary mother, these lost policemen? Searching high and low for satisfaction.
Whatever we are using as a cheap excuse to be satisfied WILL fall short. Every single effort will fail…. as we bounced away in our van that day I looked out the window and saw a well being pumped. In the sweltering heat I saw the most refreshing water bubbling out. The most beautiful picture was painted in my mind of our souls being quenched with cold refreshing water on a hot summer day.
…Our team also has a new pet goat named Winnie.
