One branch of the ministry I work for digs deep-water wells in Africa so villagers no longer have to travel for hours, often on foot, to obtain dirty and diseased water. I love watching the videos they bring back. The moment the water first gushes from the pipe, a party erupts: children jumping, dancing, and splashing, the whole village smiling and cheering. They can’t help but rejoice!

The prophet Isaiah foretold the destruction of Jerusalem for the people’s idolatry, but he also spoke of God’s merciful salvation that would come later, and how people would rejoice when returned from exile.

Followers of Jesus have been rescued from being judged and exiled from God. The gospel is our well of salvation, and Jesus is the one who dug and built it.

The African villagers depend on, and use, their well daily. What a waste it would be if they didn’t! Yet, we too often forget to live by the grace of the gospel each and every day — to remind ourselves just how saved and treasured by God we really are. We let fears and distractions crowd out the truths by which we’re supposed to live.

So, how can we experience joy today and draw water from the well of salvation? If we read back one verse in Isaiah and one verse ahead, we have the answer. Make it your prayer today:

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation…. Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.” Amen (Isaiah 12:2,4).

Go Deeper — Preach the gospel to yourself daily, starting with today. Post one of your favorite verses in a familiar place: the fridge or bathroom mirror as a sticky note, or as the image on your computer or cellphone desktop.

Do you feel separated from God today? Read The End of Our Exile.



Tags: The Prophets Isaiah 12
Photo Credit: Raechel Romero