Daily Devotions – The Well

Daily Devotions – The Well

 

Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:

 

Isaiah 12:1-6 NIV

12 In that day you will say: “I will praise you, Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away
and you have comforted me. 2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” 3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
4 In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. 5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. 6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

 

In South Africa there was a small school that we partnered with, using their building as our church on Sundays.  The brick building was long and narrow with 3 classrooms and a small office for the headmaster.  Outside the school-house was a spigot where all the children would go to get there drinking water or to wash their hands before and after meals.  It was connected to a nearby dam so the water was good and always running.  This passage of Isaiah reminds me of those children going out to be refreshed by the precious water that flows from that simple spigot.  It is refreshing and cleansing.  It is something that they must keep coming back to again and again. The salvation of Jesus is similar.  It is so refreshing to hear the words, “It is finished.  You are forgiven.  Nothing you say or do will separate you from the love of the Father.  Live in freedom”! Yet, we cannot hear that message anywhere else except the Bible.  The world around us constantly asks us for more.  Do more.  Be more.  Produce more.  Instead, Jesus invites us to be refreshed by what He has done and continues to do.  To be refreshed by his life-giving salvation.  To trust in his defense and his strength.  This Advent season take time to draw the life-giving water of salvation from the well of God.  Let us pray: Lord, we praise you and glorify you for the work of your glorious cross.  You offer us the refreshing water of salvation that we can draw from through forgiveness, mercy, grace, and love.  Fill us with Your Spirit that we might live freely and with joy in your strength.  In Jesus name.  Amen.

Click here to listen to Nathan Shields in song on Isaiah 12 

When I’m empty
You fill my cup
Need you daily
you do not dry up

whether healthy
or entrenched with doubt
I am joyful
When l seek you out

I will praise you
I will shout your name
through the whole earth
we’re so glad you came

be among us
be among us
I will always thirst for you

I will trust you
for you make me strong
my salvation
you’re my favorite song