Broken Cisterns
by Jilly Lyon-Taylor
A short time ago I decided that I was feeling the effects of the long lockdown we have had, and that what I needed was a change of scene. I noticed a free day coming up in my diary and I ear-marked that for a trip down to the sea, planning to have a long walk there. However, the day before, plans changed, as I was asked to do a talk the following day. I felt I needed to focus on preparing that, so I cancelled my plans for a day out.
However, as I sought the Lord for the teaching, He ministered to me deeply and I had a wonderful day of fellowship with Him. I prepared my sermon, accomplished many other tasks and still had time for a beautiful walk with my dog. It turned into a wonderfully fulfilling day in the presence of the Lord. I had been receiving living water, instead of trying to fix my mood myself!
Today’s verse in Jeremiah speaks about people digging their own cisterns, which are broken and cannot hold water. I had been trying to fix things for myself instead of focusing on the Spring of Living Water. How often do we do that? Some people try to create distractions from the way they are feeling, filling their lives with work, ministry, relationships or activities. Others try to find comfort in food, alcohol or something else to mask the emptiness inside. These are not necessarily wrong in themselves, unless they become our focus instead of the Lord. He is the Spring of Living Water and the only One who can truly satisfy us. Anything else can become a broken cistern which does not hold water.
Jesus says: “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37). If you are thirsty, why not come to Him and drink right now? He promises to give us drink from His river of delights (Psalm 36:8), for in Him is the fountain of life (Psalm 36:9).
Prayer: Lord, I am sorry for the times I have tried to dig my own cistern, to provide my own solution to the way I have been feeling. I know that You are the Spring of Living Water and the only One who can satisfy my soul. I am thirsty, and I want to come to You now to drink of Your living water. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Jilly Lyon-Taylor is part of the Leadership Team at Ellel Pierrepont. She worked in publishing and then with children in Hong Kong before concentrating on being a full-time mother and serving in the local church. Her desire to see people healed led her to the Luke Nine Eleven Training Scheme(NETS) at Pierrepont, and now she teaches and ministers there.
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