Need Some Refreshment? (2 Kings 3)

Why is it that many people never acknowledge God or turn to him until they're in trouble? And then when tragedy or a difficulty comes their way they blame God or cry out wondering why God would let something like this happen. Why is it that even self proclaimed followers of Christ chose to live however they want throughout the week without a thought for God? Some have referred to this phenomena as "practical atheism," living as if God doesn't really exist. I think it is more like "practical deism," God exists but He has left us alone to figure everything out.

Routines of life seem to take over the most well meaning of people. Our perspective shifts from focusing on God to day to day stuff. Somehow God just gets left out of the picture. For some that's purposeful. For some it's not. No matter the intent it still happens. Then when trouble seizes us panic or depression or at least major frustration occurs. But it seems like it's not until despair hit us that we turn and cry out to God.

That's exactly where King Joram was in 2 Kings 3. He convinces King Jehoshaphat to go to war with him against Moab. In their attempt to be coy, they plan on sneaking up on Moab catching them by surprise. However after 7 days through the wilderness without water, King Joram starts to panic and he reaches the desperation phase. Luckily King Jehoshaphat has the wisdom to go seek out the prophet Elisha. Elisha's first response is to blow them off telling them that they should go seek advice and help from their pagan gods since King Joram worshiped them all the time. But because of the faith of King Jehoshaphat Elisha helped them.

God provided for the armies of Israel and Judah by filling the dry barren wilderness with pools and streams of water without making it rain. No storms, no flooding, just the welling up of water from the ground in ample supply. Not only did God do that for them, He also gave them an easy victory over Moab.

There's nothing like a cool drink when you are thoroughly parched. The image here in this text describes what God can bring to our parched lives. We try to do life ignoring or simply without acknowledging God's desire to be actively involved in our daily lives and then wonder why we're exhausted, stressed out or why things are going awry. We're thirsty and we need God's Spirit to well up within us. We need His "living water." We need to draw from His well spring, His life spring.

Here's the good news! Even though we've ignored Him intentionally or unintentionally in the past, God is always willing to satisfy our thirst, to step into our lives when we humble ourselves before Him and turn to Him.

God, life gets so crazy sometimes. I don't mean to leave you out, it just kind of happens. I want to drink from your well of life. I want your living water. Pour out Your Spirit on me. Fill my cup, my life with your presence.