If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says. — John 7:37 – 38 MSG

As soon I got out of bed and my feet hit the floor this morning, I headed straight for the kitchen to get a drink of water. I woke up feeling parched, and satisfying my thirst was all I could think about. I didn’t just sip the water, either. I gulped it down as quickly as I could, and I felt so much better after I did.

Water is essential to life, and our bodies must have adequate amounts of it to thrive. All you have to do is type in “benefits of water” on any internet search engine, and you’ll find hundreds of reasons why it’s important to drink the water your body needs. One way water helps us as we fast is by removing toxins. Toxins are poisonous substances that cause damage to the body, resulting in all kinds of illness and health problems.

Our souls also need hydration, refreshing streams of living water that only Jesus can bring to our thirsty lives Jesus promises that “whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14 ESV). Only the Lord can satisfy our deepest longings. Only he can flush out the toxins of anger, bitterness, jealousy, unforgiveness, and rebellion. Only Jesus, our Savior, can cleanse us from the inside out.

Every time you drink a glass of water during your fast, let it be a reminder that Jesus is your Living Water. He has unlimited stores of blessing, peace, power, and wisdom to pour into your life. Drink deeply of the Lord today. Find delight in the truth of his Word. Thirst for him alone. Lord, I’m thirsty for you and your Word. Nothing satisfies but you. Fill me up today so that my life overflows with your love.

Verses for additional study:

Psalm 1:2 – 3

John 4:7 – 15

John 6:35