Thirst for the Lord
David Brock of Redmond, OR, USA
The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” -Exodus 17:2-3
The scene is a desert. Sun scorches. Dust rises with every stirring of air, every shuffle of person or beast, then settles on every surface. There’s no water. None. Final hoarded drops are now gone. Children are crying. Goats and sheep are bleating. Youth are complaining. Adults are arguing or tending the weak in silent fear.
And everyone has questions. Everyone.
- The people interrogate Moses: Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?
- The whole congregation quarrels and cross-examines God: Is the LORD among us or not?
- Moses, trying to lead from strength, but wavering, also queries God: What shall I do with this people?
- Maybe God questions as well. Maybe God borrows Moses’ question: What shall I do with this people?
Can we blame them or judge them-the throng of recently enslaved? The reluctant leader? The God whose infinite patience is being sorely tested? I hear my voice in there as well. I am a congregant filled with complaint, panic, doubt, and fear of abandonment. I am an ill-prepared and frustrated leader of the fickle and fragile.
But, somewhere midst the grumble and moan, I hear prophetic words:
For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,
and streams in the desert;
the burning sand shall become a pool,
and the thirsty ground springs of water…-Isaiah 35:6b-7
I hear Moses’ staff striking rock.
I hear water gurgling, water flowing, water streaming, water splashing.
I hear children laughing, youth suddenly gone silent, adults repenting of doubt and giving thanks.
I hear Moses praising, Moses affirming, Moses assuring.
I hear God saying, “…but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life” (John 4:14).
Prayer Phrase
Help us see beyond our dark places and find our way closer to your loving light.
Spiritual Practice
Healing for Broken Spirits
Begin with quiet prayer. Ask God to help you detect some “sore places” in the body of Christ and God’s creation. Become aware of people who feel separated, wounded, or left out. Reflect on or write a short journal entry of healing words to at least one person who comes to mind. Ask God for words that will touch this person’s broken spirit like healing ointment. Keep this person in your heart and prayers today and act on any ideas that come to bring blessing and wholeness.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
