Running in Houston during the summer has convinced me of this:

I really don’t want to go to hell.

It’s nuclear hot, and running routes are scheduled these days around water fountains.

During a run a while back, I had a major water fountain fail. About 2/3 of the way through my scheduled route, there was a great fountain by one of the schools in the neighborhood.

It was really hot.

A  vision of that fountain formed in my head. I was ready.

Finally, mile 4 clicked by and the fountain was in sight. All was well until I realized that the well was dry. As a wise move, the school (or powers that be) shut down the water since school was out.

I was let down.

I had thoughts that were, “less than pastoral.”

Henry Thoreau once said, “If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment.”

I wasn’t quiet. I wasn’t ready. And yet, there was compensation. It was a lesson and a reminder I would share with you.

The water fountains in this world will almost always fail you.

Whether it is disappointment in climbing the ladder of success, the letdown of seeing family breakup or breakdown to severe dysfunction, or the long look in the mirror that is supposed to inspire, but leaves you feeling down; – the things of this world will not quench the deep thirst that lies in the deep recesses of the soul.

The more I thought about my run, the more I realized that Jesus is always providing water.

To a people wandering in the desert, He produced water from a rock. To a Samaritan woman, He gave water that quenched all thirst. When time finally falls exhausted at the Gates of Glory, He will be on the other side with a river clear as crystal and an offer for anyone who trusts Him to drink without price.

Perhaps you’re in a dry season and feeling a little parched.

Maybe the fountain that was going to be your salvation has run dry, been shut down, or has left you feeling unsatisfied. Jesus wants you to know that you can come to Him. He wants you to come to Him when you’re thirsty (not when you’ve got it all together). And He promises not to disappoint you.