Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: Isaiah 12

This beautiful, prophetic victory song was inspired by the Holy Spirit and composed by Isaiah for use on “that day”. “That day” refers to the day promised in chapter 11 – the day Christ will reign as king. Now, while it is true that the Kingdom of Christ has not been established in all its fullness on earth yet, we have already received the Messiah, Jesus, as King and we already enjoy the benefits of His reign in our lives. So this song is for us! We can sing with absolute honesty

‘God is my salvation;
    I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defence;
    he has become my salvation.’ (v.2)

And because this is true for us, we can meditate on the next beautiful promise too:

‘With joy you will draw water
    from the wells of salvation.’ (v.3)

I love the imagery here. For me it brings to mind a traveller who has run out of water in a desert wasteland and is slowly dying of thirst – lost, alone and completely helpless. Out of nowhere a mounted rider arrives, lifts him up onto his horse, brings him safely to an oasis and sets him down by a well filled to the brim with fresh water. Imagine his emotions as he draws water from that well. Imagine the overwhelming joy and relief as the cool water hits his lips!

As Christians, Isaiah’s song reminds us that we are that traveller and we have been saved by Jesus Christ from dying of spiritual thirst. Jesus has brought each of us to a well brimming with the living water of God’s goodness, grace, forgiveness, comfort and strength.

That well is our restored relationship with God, and we are able to draw all the living water we need from our relationship with God. We draw it up through practices like prayer, worship, fellowship with other believers, communion, contemplation, and even silent fellowship with the Lord. And what beautiful joy accompanies every drink of living water!

May we each drink deeply from the well of living water today, with much rejoicing! Amen.