Parched

“That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.” (Jeremiah 17:6)

Have you ever been to the desert? It’s dry. Barren. Desolate. As you think of the desert, picture a little desert bush. Spindly. Skinny. Pokey. Imagine what life is like for that desert bush. Beaten mercilessly by the sun. Blown this way and that by the oven-hot wind. With nothing to sink its roots into except rocks and sand. Waiting helplessly for a passing shower to drop a little rain on its thirsty roots. Just wanting to be cool but getting no relief. Parched.

That’s how God’s Word describes the person who trusts in people instead of in the Lord: Parched. 

Let’s be honest: There are a lot of parched people. Maybe we could even say that there are a lot of parched Christians. Are you? Are you parched? Of course, you can’t tell from outward appearances. You might put a smile on your face. You might have a refrigerator filled with cool drinks. But is your soul parched? Do your insides feel like they are being gnawed away? There are a lot of parched Christians.

You work your very hardest, but no one notices. Since we put our trust in people, how does that make us feel? Parched. “Why doesn’t anyone notice me?” You pour yourself into your spouse or children or grandchildren, but no one ever says, “Thank you.” Since we put our trust in people, how does that make us feel? Parched. “Why doesn’t anyone appreciate me?” You save and save, but then an unexpected accident wipes all your savings away. You try to eat right and exercise, but your body aches and groans. Since we put our trust in people, how does all of that make us feel? Parched!

If your soul feels thirsty, if your heart needs something more, listen to Jesus’ invitation: “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). Jesus offers you his living water of grace and forgiveness. He said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). Jesus offers living water to thirsty souls.

Whenever you’re feeling parched, come to Jesus and drink.

Dear Jesus, this world can leave me feeling so parched. Please transplant me from the desert of trusting in man to the living water of your Word and promises. Amen.