“For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.” Psalm 36:9

Living Water Fountain

A few years ago my husband and I were able to revisit the South where we lived as newly-weds during his military service. A brief excursion to Savannah, Georgia was an addendum to our trip and we were charmed by what we saw. In a historic central park, we were awed by monumental Forsythe Fountain. Gracefully over-arched by majestic oaks and magnolias, this exquisite fountain of 19th century vintage brought to my mind the fountain David celebrates in Psalm 36:9. Speaking to the Lord, David declares, “For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.” David is proclaiming that the Lord is the source and spring of life. He tells us that perceiving the Lord’s light will lead to increasingly more enlightenment.

In John 1:4, John describes and defines Jesus by making this statement: “In Him was life and that life was the light of all mankind.” Jesus Himself asserts, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Has Jesus become the light of your world?

Jesus proclaims in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” When Jesus reveals that He is the Way, He is telling mankind to follow His example. His path will guide us back to our heavenly Father and to eternal life with Him. When we have chosen Jesus as our example and our guide along the Way, Jesus provides us with additional light along our path and direction as we travel that path. Following Jesus enables us to successfully navigate this complex and frequently baffling world.

When Jesus becomes our personal Savior, He bequeaths to us His Holy Spirit to indwell us, and to give us insight and discernment for our earthly journey. Reading and absorbing Jesus’ words of Truth will shape and mold us to reflect Christ through our behavior. Should we fail or falter, His Truth renews our mind and restores our soul, giving us the impetus to get back on the Way to the eternal life Jesus offers.

Jesus’ definitive statement is this: “No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). The prophet Jeremiah warned mankind, “All who forsake You will be put to shame. Those who turn away on earth will be written down, because they have forsaken the fountain of living water, even the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:13).

Father in heaven, Your Word lays before us the path of righteousness. It feeds our souls, it guides us in ways that delight Your heart, it strengthens us and nourishes our resolve to do only those things that please You. So we pray in the manner of Paul that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened, that Your love in us might abound more and more. Lord, deepen our insight and discernment to sense Your priorities in our lives. Let us not be content to make the things of this world the highest horizon of our sight. Cause us to reach deep into the fertile soil of scripture that our gaze will be lifted, our minds renewed, and our sights set on Jesus, the very fountain of all life, the living water for our dry and thirsty souls.  Amen.