Read: Psalm 107:1-9
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! (v. 1)
A late summer look out my dining room window to the nearby corn field reveals an irrigation system at work. Lately the growing season has been especially warm and uncharacteristically dry, and the farmer has decided to strengthen the crops with additional water. The mesmerizing spray beckons me to watch for a few minutes and imagine the refreshment it contains. The alternative, allowing the plants to dry out further, means risking a low yield or perhaps none at all.
God never chooses the alternative with us, even in our soul’s driest seasons. He is a constant source of refreshment and renewal, and is available at all times. When we seek him, he will always be found (Prov. 8:17). When we knock, the door will always be opened to us (Matt. 7:7). When we wander, God willingly leaves the rest to find us, and when he finds us, he rejoices (Matt. 18:11-14).
Just as the farmer waters the crop to promote health and growth, God, our living water, drenches us in his grace, fortifies us with his love and hope, and washes us clean. Once we repent of our sin and believe in Jesus Christ, we can be assured that the spiritual refreshment we experience now is just a foretaste of what eternity with God will be like. “For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things” (Ps. 107:9). —Joy Petroelje
As you pray, ask God to refresh your spirit and renew your strength.
About the Author
Joy Petroelje is the director of a nonprofit human services organization. She and her husband Steve have three sons and live near Grand Rapids, Michigan. In addition to family time and her work in nonprofit administration, Joy enjoys reading, writing, and running.
