Lent JourneySample

DAY 29
Inner need

When a woman comes to Jesus and asks Him for water to drink, He lovingly starts to talk to her about her life.

He helps her to realise that her external physical need is actually an invisible inner need.

She hears how water will never fulfill her real, inner need and that she instead has a deep spiritual need (John 4:10).

I recognise physical pain in my life and cannot deny it. When I have back pain as a result of an accident, it is a physical pain that I have to deal with – I cannot wish it away. And when something like this comes my way, the impact is much greater than merely the pain in my back – it affects all aspects of my life.

I also notice its influence on my emotions, worrying about the future and feeling depressed. In these times of insecurity, I sometimes get impatient. People close to me also suffer because of my discomfort and frustration. I feel helpless because I cannot function effectively and sometimes are bedridden.

Spiritually I struggle with the question about where God is in all my trials in life. I thirst, and although I may thirst physically, it affects my whole life.

EXERCISE
• When you pray today, reflect on how your struggles influence your life.
• Ask the Lord to show you how He helps you in all the dimensions of your life,
• Also ask God for what you need.