Daily in the Word

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee."

Isaiah 55:1-5

As desperate as we are for God during bad times, we should be as desperate for Him during good times.

The study of the workings of the human body is a fascinating topic. Did you know that your body needs three quarts of water each day to function properly? Water not only nourishes the body but helps break up and soften food. Your blood (which is ninety percent water) carries nutrients to cells, relying on the water to function. As a cooling agent, water regulates your body temperature through perspiration. And without its presence in the body, your joints and muscles would lose their lubrication-grinding against each other each time you move.

The statement is true that you never know how much you need something until it's gone. Grabbing a glass from the kitchen cabinet and getting some water to drink doesn't seem like a big deal to us. But working outside in 100 degree temperatures, high humidity, and sweating profusely makes us crave water above anything else. We don't wake up every morning physically thinking, "I need water today. I must consume three quarts of water so my blood can carry nutrients I digest to my body's cells." But when we are deprived of water, our bodies scream for it.

Just as we don't usually think of water first thing in the morning, many times we don't think of how much we need God each morning. When life goes well we often forget our utter dependence upon God. Our kids are well-behaved, the bills are being paid, the family is happy, and we go about our lives. But the minute disaster strikes, we're on our knees begging for God's help.

As desperate as we are for God during bad times, we should be as desperate for Him during good times. God invites us to seek Him, to find solace in His presence. "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price."

Although God stands ready to help during your need, He desires your desperate dependance on Him every day. You can do nothing to make today a good day for you or your family. Everything that happens comes from God, not from your own doing. You may have skills, talent, ambition, or insight; but God directs the events of the world, and the events of your life.

You have direct access to the One who controls the world. Why wouldn't you desperately seek His blessing each day? As Isaiah 55 says, God invites you to come to Him when you're thirsty, approach Him when you have no money, and draw from His resources when you have need. He wants you to rely upon Him every day.

Have you sought God's blessing today? He alone can protect your family, bless your work, and guide your steps today. Look to Him for help every day, even when things seem to be going well in your life.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 146-147 | 1 Corinthians 15:1-28