Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:3

 As we age, certain benefits or privileges are available to us, such as turning 16 allows us to drive, 18 is considered an “adult”, at age 26 your vehicle insurance is lowered (if you have a good driving record)….and the list goes on. Last year I joined AARP. Although it’s normally associated with older people, just about any aged person can join. With its membership come a whole host of benefits, discounts, and a monthly magazine full of insightful wisdom to help you navigate life after “50”. Just the other day I was notified that my one-year membership came to a close and looking back I determined that I never once used any of its discounts. What a waste, as my wife and I have taken several trips that I could have saved some money.

 Today’s passage encourages Christians to not only relish in the joy of salvation immediately following conversion, but to live a lifetime full of its benefits and freedoms. Sadly, many people have a one and done salvation experience and don’t ever tap the resources available to them through Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. Every day is a struggle to stay committed to Jesus, and when bad things happen, joy is diminished, replaced by anxiety and fear.

 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

 How’s your salvation experience? Are you filling your spirit full of joy from the well of salvation on a daily basis? Hebrews 4:16 says we can come to the throne of grace anytime, any day, to receive what’s needed to keep the joy alive. I’m reminded of the song “The Well” by Casting Crowns. I’m going to share the lyrics below. Take a moment to read it and then ask God to help you live out each day in His Holy presence so you can enjoy the benefits of His saving grace and mercy. God bless!

 

 I have what you need
But you keep on searchin'
I've done all the work
But you keep on workin'
When you're runnin' on empty
And you can't find the remedy
Just come to the well
You can spend your whole life
Chasin' what's missing
But that empty inside
It just ain't gonna listen

When nothing can satisfy
And the world leaves you high and dry
Just come to the well

And all who thirst will thirst no more
And all who search will find what their souls long for
The world will try, but it can never fill
So leave it all behind, and come to the well

So bring me your heart
No matter how broken
Just come as you are
When your last prayer is spoken
Just rest in my arms a while
You'll feel the change my child
When you come to the well

And all who thirst will thirst no more
And all who search will find what their souls long for
The world will try, but it can never fill,
So leave it all behind, and come to the well, yeah

Leave it all behind
The world will try, but it can never fill, leave it all behind

And now that you're full
Of love beyond measure
Your joy's gonna flow
Like a stream in the desert
Soon all the world will see that living water is found in me
Cuz you came to the well, yeah

And all who thirst will thirst no more
And all who search will find what their souls long for
The world will try, but it can never fill
So leave it all behind, and come to the well
Leave it all behind, and come to the well

Leave it all behind
Leave it all behind
Leave it all behind
Leave it all behind

 Casting Crowns - The Well (w/ Lyrics) (youtube.com)