Water from God’s Reservoir

Written by Marilyn Ehle

If you could wish for anything in the world, what do you most desire? Let’s explore the theme of longing for more.

“Oh, how I love your word! I think about it all day long” (Psalm 119:97, Living Bible).

“All scripture is God-breathed…so that all God’s people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).

It was a week of body-numbing activity as we worked in clinics near poverty stricken villages. We awakened early and fell into bed exhausted each night. Children seemed to pour from buses like water out of a bottomless pitcher. Challenges multiplied as we faced the logistics of meeting the endless vision, dental and medical needs of over 2,000 children.

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We were Christians—surely we began each day in lengthy meditative prayer and gleanings from the Bible? While some of the team met each morning for a few quiet moments, the reality was that responsibilities swirled for those of us in leadership, demanding attention nearly every waking moment.

In the midst of these long days that were drenched with activity and people, the gracious Spirit of God repeatedly reminded me of words that had long before been committed to memory and implanted in my heart. From this resource, God brought to my attention answers to problems even before they were articulated. He provided all that was necessary for the needs of the moment.

The city in which I live depends on reservoirs for its water supply. When there is insufficient winter snow or spring rain, we are warned to carefully monitor our water use. In a similar way, our spiritual reservoirs cannot go long without refilling. Returning from the humanitarian project described above, I was desperately thirsty for fresh and abundant “water of the Word” and God is faithfully refilling what I had spilled into others’ lives.

Father God, your word refreshes and fills and invigorates me as I faithfully meditate on it. Thank you for its life giving strength.

Questions: What words from the Bible have you memorized recently that have been like fresh water to you? How have they helped you in time of drought?

Tags: challenges, demanding, dental, exhausted, gracious, humanitarian, leadership, Marilyn Ehle, medical needs, meditative prayer, memory, poverty, Reservoir, stricke

5 Responses to “Water from God’s Reservoir”

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Brenda says:

July 12, 2011 at 5:41 am

I really love this article, and I appreciate the responses given, too. I agree that this was a powerful message, Donna, and I believe Jesus was able to identify with us in our humanness so much more than I often realize. One of my favourite verses that helps me to see this is Hebrews 5:7-9 from the Amplified Bible:

7In the days of His flesh [Jesus] offered up definite, special petitions [for that which He not only wanted [a]but needed] and supplications with strong crying and tears to Him Who was [always] able to save Him [out] from death, and He was heard because of His reverence toward God [His godly fear, His piety, [b] in that He shrank from the horrors of separation from the bright presence of the Father].

8Although He was a Son, He learned [active, special] obedience through what He suffered

9And, [His completed experience] making Him perfectly [equipped], He became the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all those who give heed and obey Him,

This verse strengthens me when I suffer and helps me to be obedient instead of rebellious during suffering. Visualizing the refreshing waters of the Holy Spirit bubbling up and flowing through me from verse 3 in Psalm 1 helps to refresh me during trying and painful times, as well:

3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

Thank you so much for this devotional, Marilyn. It is a blessing to me today!
Lilly says:

July 9, 2011 at 10:27 am

My strength and refreshment comes from 2 cor. 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This is my favorite scripture for it is filled with promise and hope.
Lily says:

July 9, 2011 at 12:42 am

Two weeks back i told one of my brothers that I was angry at God because I have devouted my life to him but what I was going through made me angry at Him. He shared with a sister and she preached about being how foolish & stupid a person is when he/she is angry at God like Job’s wife. I was hurt because of the way she was putting it as if being judgemental. From my resovior I remembered Job questioning God, Jeremiah telling God He lied to Him, David asking God why the wicked prosper, in Malachi, the servants of God telling themselves that is was futile serving God. I remembered it is not only me but prophets asked God why? they were emotional because of what they were going through. It is only human nature. I am not justifying myself but at one point in our lives we are weak to the point of questioning God, being angry at Him. BUT ALL IN ALL GOD UNDERSTANDS US. HE PROVIDES SOLUTIONS TO OUR PROBLEMS.
DonnaL says:

July 8, 2011 at 5:12 pm

Hi Marilyn, Such a powerful message today. There are definitely times when I will recall a precious verse that God has given me previously for my circumstances. How comforting it is! One of my favorite verses is from Philippians 4:13 “I can do everything through him who gives me strength”. Paul’s talks here about how we find contentment in hard times. Praise God for his word that changes lives and comforts us in our journey.
Julie says:

July 8, 2011 at 6:06 am

Father God, your word DOES refresh me. I cannot be away from it for long. Thank you for this gift!