Be Still: 30 Devotions for the Hopeful HeartSample

Return to the Reservoir

He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, “From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.” JOHN 7:38 NASB

What does hope or faith have to do with a reservoir? A reservoir is a base of water that is tapped into and used to supply water to connecting rivers in case the river-water level is low during droughts or dry periods. These reservoirs serve as life rafts, supplying the need during tough seasons. What is our reservoir? When tracking through the wilderness or the lonely times in life, we desperately need that reservoir of hope to kick into gear and help sustain us.

Think about times when our backs have been against the wall and everything seems to be going wrong—where do we turn? If we do not have a supply of hope that we can lean on, our dismal perspective during the wilderness can keep us from seeing Jesus in our circumstances.

When we have this reservoir, this place full of His promises and His teachings, we have a deep well to depend on when we feel broken, bruised, or empty. When evil is done to us, we can deny our human desire to retaliate and dig deep into the well of truth. When temptation knocks or immediate gratification vies for our attention, we can remind our hearts of our eternal hope. We can stop, be still, and visit the well. That is the only way our reservoir will be filled, by accessing the center of all wellness and wholeness—the Living Water. When setbacks are experienced, this reservoir is a dependable source that speaks life into our dry bones and assures us that our temporary emotions are not our God-given destiny.

How do we fight for holiness? We dig a deep reservoir and fill it with hope. We do not let our pride determine our need for water, because we know we are nothing without our thirst for Him. We are diligent in our work and faithful in our service, and when our emotions get the best of us? We return to the reservoir and drink again.

Lord, thank You that You are the well that never runs dry. You fill us with strength, lead us in joy, and usher us forward in peace. When we are feeling empty or dissatisfied today, let us return to You. Thank You for being our reservoir, dependable, and abundant in all You give. In Jesus’s name, amen.