Excerpt from Isaiah 12:2-6

"With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation."

Talitha Arnold

Wells, springs, early rain, late rain, snow, the dew on Mt. Hermon and Isaiah's streams in the desert. With the exception of Noah's flood, wherever water appears in the Bible, it's a sign of new life and God’s blessing.

That's not surprising, given that most of the people who wrote the Bible lived in the desert. Having a reliable source of water—like a well--was literally a matter of life and death for them. (It still is for most of the world, including those of us in the arid Southwest.)

Small wonder then that deep wells are the source of deep joy in today's passage. Isaiah reminds his people that the everyday task of drawing water is a time for celebration. Just as God blesses them each day with the life-giving gift of water, they are also blessed with God's life-giving presence.

We need that same daily blessing, whether we live in desert places or snow-clad lands, particularly in this season. Eight days before Christmas, we may be feeling a bit parched and empty. If so, take heed from Isaiah's words and remember the real source of joy in this world.

Take time today to reflect on Isaiah's joyful wisdom. What are your "wells of salvation?" When was the last time you let yourself draw deeply from them?

Prayer

Thank you, God, for the wells of joy and life you give us. Help us remember to draw deeply from them every day.

About the Author Talitha Arnold is Senior Minister of the United Church of Santa Fe (UCC), Santa Fe, New Mexico. She is the author of Worship for Vital Congregations, published by The Pilgrim Press.

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