When we are in need, it is difficult to focus on anything else–that’s human nature. But as Christ followers, we are no longer slaves to our old nature. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor. 5:17) We are brand-new people on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives us new life, and we are not the same anymore. We are not reformed, rehabilitated, or re-educated–we are re-created (new creations), living in vital union with Christ. When we by faith accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we begin a new life under a new Master. “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Rom. 10:9)

Isaiah prophesied about what Christ would do for us: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland…because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.” (Is. 43:18-19, 20b-21) The sinful earth we were born to is a wasteland, but Jesus is our hope: “water in the wilderness”.

Yesterday we said that Jesus is our hope in death, but He is also our hope in this life. “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then He said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ He said to me: ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.” (Rev 21:5-7) Just as God finished the work of creation and Jesus finished the work of redemption (John 19:30), so the Trinity will finish the entire plan of salvation by inviting the redeemed into a new creation.

Jesus is the “water of life”. “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” (Rev. 22:1) The water of life is a symbol of eternal life and pictures the fullness of life with God and the eternal blessings that come when we believe in Him and allow Him to satisfy our spiritual thirst. “Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’” (John 4:13-14)

There are times that we are in want in this life. Where do we turn? “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33) To “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” means to turn to God first for help; to fill your thoughts with His desires; to take His character for your pattern; and to serve and obey Him in everything. “The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (Is. 58:11) When we place our trust and hope in Him, He will provide.

God will meet all our needs (as He sees they need to be met) if we seek Him and place our trust and hope in Him. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength…And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:12-13, 19)

Paul wrote this from prison, and he was definitely not in a good place in his life physically at that time, but he still rejoiced in the hope of the Lord. The Lord will give us the strength to face all of our storms, but He doesn’t promise to remove pain or discomfort. But as new creatures our attitudes and appetites can change from wanting all of our needs met to accepting His provision with a grateful heart, in the power He gives us to live for Him. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4)