We’ve just had an amazing holiday. Four of the highlights of our holiday involved water. In each case the area immediately around the water was really dry. The water had either travelled long distances in creeks and rivers or had come from deep underground. The results were amazing.
The life and beauty generated by the water attracts people from all over our country to these places. The vegetation, birds, and fish that are part of the spectacle are all dependent on the water but, no doubt, don’t give it a thought, just take it for granted.
We’re also dependent on water and can’t live without it. We might also take that for granted but we shouldn’t.
Water is one of God’s good gifts. All the water we saw on our holiday fell as rain at some stage even if it was no where near where we saw it or many years before. Without continuing rain all these places would eventually go dry. Thank God for his life-giving rains.
God declares his commitment to supply the needy with water through the prophet Isaiah. He says,
When the poor and needy are dying of thirst and cannot find water, I, the Lord God of Israel, will come to their rescue. I won’t forget them. I will make rivers flow on mountain peaks. I will send streams to fill the valleys.
Dry and barren land will flow with springs and become a lake. Isaiah 41:17f
We saw some examples of this prophecy fulfilled at Innamincka, Lawn Hill National Park (pictured), Dalhousie Springs, and Lake Eyre. Amazing!
Even more amazing is the living water that wells up within us, the Holy Spirit, to satisfy our spiritual thirst. John records these words for our encouragement,
On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and shouted, “If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say.” Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit, who would be given to everyone that had faith in him. John 7:37-39a
God supply your needs and quench your thirsts, today and always!
God’s Nourishment 1st Saturday in Advent Read: Psalm 36:5-9
“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” Psalm 36:9 (NIV) Last year when my husband and I were travelling through Salzburg, we visited an unusual summer castle. Schloß Helbrunn was built (1612-1619) by archbishop Markus Sittikus. Underground springs flowed under the castle and gardens so the archbishop, with his sense of humour, had trick water fountains installed throughout the gardens. There were fountains and spigots coming out everywhere and you would get sprayed at any time from the most unsuspecting statue.
There was also a huge, automated music display of the city of Vienna (at the time) and was all run by water – even at the end when you were entranced with the movements, water came spurting out into the audience. My favourite was the outdoor dining setting where the archbishop invited all his friends to dinner, only to have water come through the seats and all around the table.
The archbishop of course, stayed dry. Not only was there the water and the fountains, but it was lit by colour and lights. I love seeing fountains and saw many throughout Europe, but so many of these were created with recirculating the water through. At Schloß Hellbrunn, the water was fed by fresh underground springs which never seemed to run out. King David described God as a fountain, not something that just recirculates but rather a fountain of never-ending new life that gives life and rejuvenation to all around. He is the source of all life and from Him life flows like a fountain nourishing all around Him.
David also tells us that being in the light of God we see only light. Light always outshines the night. When we think of God as the light – everything we see and do is illuminated by him. In God there is no darkness, and we seek this light moving forward in faith. The Advent season is a time spoken of in terms of light and dark. Jesus was the light sent by God into a dark world to bring everlasting light. Live in the light this Advent season and drink from the abundant fountain of life. Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are my fountain of life and light. Guide and bless me in all the things I do to share your love with others as you continually bless me. Amen
Ultimate Power Source Read: Psalm 27:1-5 “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 (NIV)
In the ‘Mission Impossible’ movies, Tom Cruise is placed in situations where he is called upon to help solve and correct the ultimate power plays happening in the world. He is asked to accept the mission but usually those asking will take no responsibility for the consequences or fallout from any situation that he may find himself in. Of course, he always accepts the mission.
I enjoy watching these action-packed movies which usually end up with Tom Cruise being the hero who has in some way saved the world. God has placed us in a world filled with pain and sin and suffering. We are told that we have been born into sin with no hope until He sent Jesus to be the ultimate Saviour of our world. He had a plan and mission for His Son whom we prepare for during this season of Advent. In Psalm 27, we read that King David (a strong and mighty king) does not fear, not because of His great armies, but because God is there to be his strength and light in the darkest of places and situations.
With God watching over and caring for him there is no need to fear or be afraid! Like David, we can also place our faith and comfort in knowing that God is stronger than anything in this world, or any evil in the realms. God is the light shining through the darkest of times and in the darkest of places. Light is the absence of darkness – so where God is, there is only light, and darkness and evil cannot penetrate God’s light.
He is the ultimate power source that does not turn off, fail or get disconnected. Tom Cruise always had issues with his missions, but with God and Jesus there to fight on our behalf we have nothing to fear or be afraid. Live in the light of God as the ultimate power source of your life! Prayer: Lord Jesus, you have come to earth to be my Saviour. You fight all my battles and help me in all situations. Help me to remain connected to you as my ultimate power source. Amen
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes (Psalm 19:8).
Read Psalm 19:1–11
The Sun is the star at the heart of our solar system. The gravity from the Sun holds the solar system together, keeping everything – from the biggest planet we know of in the solar system (Jupiter) to the smallest pieces of debris – in its orbit. The connection and interactions between the Sun and the Earth create the seasons, ocean currents, weather, climate and all life. And … God made this Sun and all the solar system and universe. He created it to provide light and life to the Earth.
The Psalmist David speaks of God’s commands as being radiant. This word usually relates to rays being emitted from the Sun, providing a light that shines and dazzles. The word of God is light to the world that brings life and light to all his people. His commands are clear, pure and enlightening, giving light to our eyes that brings understanding and belief to our hearts. These commands are not just to be followed, but are a source of light that guides us to a life that is pleasing to God.
The Bible verse above from Psalm 19:8 points to the authority of God’s word in the Bible. From the very beginning of creation when God spoke, and it was done, and ‘It was very good’ to God sending his Son for the sake of all humankind, God is the only true authority. God’s word is not only true, but it is right. God’s word has authority because God has authority. God’s way is not only right, but it is the best, as it guides us into the light of truth.
This psalm speaks in picture language to help us understand that everything he does is with us in mind. Take God’s words to your heart, mind and soul and worship the Maker of Heaven and Earth. As we celebrate Advent, we also celebrate God sending his Son to Earth as a baby for our ultimate salvation.
The words of God are a radiant light to guide us!
Creator God, you made the world, and it was perfect. Thank you for your words in the Bible that also bring light to my life. Radiate your words into my heart so that I can serve and please you. Amen.
Anne Hansen has worked as the Lutheran Tract Mission Development Officer for 19 years. She lives in Noosa, Queensland, with her husband, Mark (a pastor), and has three grown children – Jonah, Christian and Emma – and is a new proud mother-in-law to Brooke. Anne enjoys attending Mainly Music, walking, reading, gardening and playing pickleball.