“Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.”—Jesus (John 4:14 NIV)

We live in an era that values speed, production, and efficiency. Deadlines and due dates drive much of our daily routine. Enough is never enough.

But is this the life God intends for us to live? Did the One who came to give us life abundantly desire us to experience burnout, depression, or frustrations over unmet obligations and incomplete tasks?

Jesus offers a different view of the world. In a word, it’s contentment.

Many strive because they are unsatisfied. Dissatisfaction with career, relationships, the past, the future—the reasons could fill volumes. That’s why Jesus offered words of comfort—“Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.”

Notice the words in this verse. Each one matters greatly. “Whoever” makes clear that no restrictions apply. Jesus offers each of us true satisfaction, real contentment.

Next, notice the action—“drinks.” There is one thing we must do; we are required to turn to Jesus in complete dependence. Just as the human body cannot continue for long without water, the human soul cannot endure for long without quenching its thirst.

“The water I give them” refers to what Jesus offers. We drink, but He is the One who provides. Without His water, our thirsting will go unsatisfied. Our lives will trek from one alternative to the next, lacking purpose and meaning.

The final phrase—“will never thirst”—shows Jesus is the lasting answer to the enduring problem of discontentment. Without the joy of God in our lives, we will continue to long for other passions that fail to please beyond the moment. The promise of Jesus provides for our needs now and extends into all eternity.

As humans in a fallen world, we still wear down, but, as followers of Christ, we are never without our Source of strength. He is with us, He provides, and He will continue to quench our thirst for all eternity.

[Originally posted here.]

For a free two-week sample of my latest book Thirst No More, download it here.

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DILLON BURROUGHS is an author, activist, and co-founder of Activist Faith. Dillon served in Haiti following the epic 2010 earthquake and has investigated modern slavery in the US and internationally. His books include Thirst No More, Undefending Christianity, and Not in My Town (with Charles J. Powell). Discover more at ActivistFaith.org.

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