Life-giving fountain

June 22, 2007

By Greg Ebie

According to legend, Ponce de León searched for the fountain of youth. After conquering Puerto Rico and being dissatisfied with his material wealth, de León launched an expedition to find the fountain that would give him eternal youth. The story goes, in his quest de León discovered Florida. But de León never did find the mythical fountain he searched for.

“True intelligence is a spring of fresh water, while fools sweat it out the hard way” (Proverbs 16:22, The Message).

God’s Word is a fountain of life to our souls. Through His Word we discover a joy that abounds even in the midst of the most difficult circumstances. As we read God’s Word we discover that the Lord has provided healing for our bodies, but there is more. God also tells us of His great love for us, demonstrated through the death of Jesus on the cross. Because Jesus has freely offered His love to us, we can be forgiven and live forever with Him!

Through the Word of God the effects of sin and death are washed away, our minds are cleansed, our thinking renewed. In God’s Word He has made known to us godly wisdom, wisdom that can change the course of our life and set us free from the consequences of sin.

Still, some people try to live in their own strength and with their own wisdom; they “sweat it out the hard way.” Like de León, they may be looking for a fountain of youth, looking for anything that will help make life easier to live, to be more satisfying and meaningful. But on their own they will never find what they’re looking for.

Make the choice today to turn to God and His Word. Let the Holy Spirit reveal God’s plan and purpose, not just for your future, but in a practical way let the Holy Spirit give you wisdom for today. Come to God and take a drink from the fountain of life.

D. Greg Ebie is senior pastor of Praise Assembly of God in Garrettsville, Ohio, and an author of Daily Bread devotionals.