Already some parts of the country are affected by the El Nino phenomenon. The dry spell has reduced water supplies and caused sporadic electricity blackouts in some parts of Luzon. Newspaper reports said many farmers have been forced to stop planting because of a lack of water. Indeed lack of water causes things to dry and die. But there’s another kind of dry spell that all people experience – even Christians – the dryness of the soul!

David, experiencing the same wrote, “ As the deer pants for streams of water, my soul thirst for You, oh God (Psa.42:1).” I read something about some characteristics of a deer particularly when he is thirsty. When a deer is thirsty, he will run full speed until he finds some water. When he finally finds it, he will stick his face into the cool stream, forgetting everything else around him. This is unusual for deer because they are normally very alert and cautious. But, when they’re panting, they’ll do almost anything to quench their thirst.

During drought conditions deer will alter their daily routine to make sure they can find water. Whenever a deer senses danger, it will run to a stream. Most hunters think the deer is trying to avoid leaving a scent. The deer, however, seeks water for a different reason. When a deer is retreating from an enemy, it develops a tremendous thirst. Fear and the physical strain of running create a strong desire for water. The Psalmist is picturing himself like a deer that is on the run in desperate search of refreshment.

…Everyone who drinks of this water shall thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life (Jn.4:13-14)…..

Beloved, when we are down and despairing of hope, needing of refreshment, the only place to go to is God. As thirst draws a deer to streams, so thirst in our hearts is designed to draw us to God. When all else fail, God satisfies. Our longing for God cannot be satisfied by anything else.

What about money? Christina Onassis, the daughter of wealthy Aristotle Onassis said, “Happiness is not based on money, and the greatest proof of that is my family.” What about success? Pop-star Madonna, when asked the question, “are you a happy person?” Replied, “I’m a tormented person. I have a lot of demons I’m wrestling with. But I want to be happy.” Comedian Eddie Murphy said, “I feel something’s missing… No matter how much money you make, or how many cars or houses you have, or how many people you make happy, life isn’t perfect for anybody.”

Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks of this water shall thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life (Jn.4:13-14).” Jesus is saying to many people today, “Your thirst has been misplaced, the answer to your soul’s thirst is Me. One drink and you’ll never thirst again.” His water is the water of eternal life. You may be here this morning and you’ve drunk from many wells (religion, career, relationships, things) and remained thirsty. Take your thirst to Jesus today and ask for His living water! It is free, it is refreshing, it’s rejuvenating, it is yours! Simply ask Him and He will fill you!