Water

"He (The LORD) makes springs pour water into the ravines; 
   it flows between the mountains. 
They give water to all the beasts of the field; 
   the wild donkeys quench their thirst. 
The birds of the sky nest by the waters; 
   they sing among the branches. 
He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; 
   the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work. 
He makes grass grow for the cattle, 
   and plants for people to cultivate— 
   bringing forth food from the earth: 
wine that gladdens human hearts, 
   oil to make their faces shine, 
   and bread that sustains their hearts." (Psa 104:10-15)


We've been drinking lots of water during this fast.  Yesterday I could not seem to drink enough.  I was very thirsty and my throat felt dry.  Am I fighting an infection?  There are a lot of sick people around.  Head colds, viral infections and pneumonia are hitting a lot of folks.  Or was it the fact that I had a big baked potato with salsa at Applebee's?  I'm aware that the body treats potatoes like sugar.  So my body thinks I've eaten sugary foods and stores the starch in the same way.  Sugar can make me dry.


Whatever the reason, I am thankful for water today.  Water is cleansing.  Water is life-giving. The human body is mostly water.  Water washes.  Water nourishes.  But water also destroys.  


Psalm 104 is a celebration of The LORD our creator.  The psalm includes a reference to the great flood at the dawn of creation. Not Noah's flood, but a primordial flood.  In the ancient mind there was nothing but waters, the chaos that covered all the earth before the earth was formed.  God rebuked the waters and they fled.  He assigned them places to go and never to return.  God speaks and the chaotic waters run to where He commands.  This makes a safe place for the earth.


God causes water to spring up from the mountains and water the valleys giving life to all its creatures through plants, trees and the like.  Our food comes from the earth which God gracious tends by sending water.  Reading the psalm in its entirety I get a sense of gratitude and amazement.


So often we take life for granted.  We take water for granted.  When the water shuts off at home because the supply is begin worked on by the city, we can run to the grocer and get bottled water.  But when drought hits the forest and the plains, the wildlife are terrified.  Life is threatened.  It wouldn't take but a few of our modern conveniences to be denied us and we too would panic.  Unless of course we had the faith of the psalmist who recognizes the generous nature of The LORD.


I don't think I'll look at water in my glass quite the same or bemoan that it's not a coke or beer.  Water is life generously and abundantly provided by The LORD who delights in all He has made. He cares.  Perhaps I should be more grateful.


Lord, thank You for caring for us, for all Your wonderful creatures.  Help us always to enjoy the gift of life and return thanks to You.  May we be refreshed by every vegetable, fruit, nut and seed and with every drink of water knowing that they come to us from Your loving hands.  Amen