We thirst for many things. We thirst for wealth, we thirst for power, we thirst for recognition, and we thirst for love. When we’ve been out in the sun, we thirst for water.

On a hot Taiwan day, after walking for some time, my son and I visited one of their many Temples. We were greeted by a person,  passing out refreshing,  ice cold water. My gratitude was abundant.

Thirst is a universal language. The quenching of it is life giving. Without water we die. Which is why the image of thirst is understandable, across cultures, ages and faiths.

The psalmist writes “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.    My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”Psalm 42:1-2

There is a longing in each of us which can only be satisfied  when our souls touch the the presence of  God.

God invites everyone who thirsts, to come to the waters. No limits are set on who is welcome, nor barriers to access. Life giving water is freely offered any and all who the call upon the Lord.

“Hear, everyone who thirsts;
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.” Isaiah 55:1

God’s offer stands in contrast,  to the enticements of our age . . .  Which tell us  the deep thirst in our souls, can  be quenched by acquiring wealth, power, status or celebrity worship. We become addicted to chemicals, social media, fame or a multitude of other addictions, with ever expanding needs. None of which, can satisfy our deepest yearnings.

God calls us back  to nourish  our souls, and blesses us with the touch  of everlasting love, when we return.

“Seek the Lord  . . .
call upon God while God is near;

let the wicked forsake their way
and the unrighteous their thoughts;
let them return to the Lord, that God may have mercy on them,
and to our God, for God will abundantly pardon.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:6-9