Have you ever been thirsty and in search of water?

On a recent caribou hunt with my brother-in-law near Tustumena Lake we found ourselves camped out with a majestic view from 2,000 feet above. The following day we decided to explore the hillside above and replenish our depleted water supply. We looked on the map at the nearby creeks and made our way a couple of miles cross country to get water.

I crossed valleys, bushes and berry fields and I finally made it to the canyon to get water. As I approached I quickly noticed the dry creek bed, even after the torrential rains from the day before.

We resolved to go to the next creek, which was miles in the opposite direction. We overlooked the ridge to a flowing creek below, but realized we needed to get to camp before dark and the puddle in the meadow would have to be our water source.

I made my way down the trail to pump the meadow water. Grudgingly, I put my water filter in the cleanest part I could find, only to hear my brother-in-law from a distance behind me shout, “I hear running water.” I yelled back, “Are you sure?” I then heard some comforting words, “It is here! I have found a spring!”

After rejoicing in finding a wholesome water source, I reflected on how many times I settle for what is quick and available, but not necessarily what is best for my life.

I even realized I could not hear the running water as I was making too much noise to scare off any bears and I was in a hurry.

In the Bible Jesus was speaking to an individual who had spent their life consuming things that ended up consuming them. All the things they sought to fill them did not bring long-term satisfaction or even start to address the deep spiritual longings we all possess. Jesus speaks to this idea in John 4:13-14: “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but 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.”

When we turn to temporary things or when the well of our personal resources runs dry we realize the puddles cannot truly satisfy. When Jesus, the source of living water, is the focus of our lives, we will not draw on our human abilities but faith in him will allow us to rest in his best for our lives. Sometimes, we fail to see God’s work or provision in our life when we fill our lives with the “noise” of the world. The question then becomes, “How can we listen for the truth of his work and be still enough to seek his voice?”

When we have nothing left, Jesus is the source that will never go dry. Jesus is calling his creation to know him and to take hold of a relationship with God that leads to life overflowing in this age and for eternity. Are you thirsty enough to seek Jesus as He is the unfailing source for spiritual renewal?

Pastor Frank Alioto works with spiritual care at Central Peninsula Hospital and serves as a chaplain with Central Emergency Services.

• Pastor Frank Alioto works with Spiritual Care at Central Peninsula Hospital and serves as a Chaplain with Central Emergency Services.