One of the simple joys of life in my teenage years was a garden hose. It had nothing to do with a garden, a sprinkler or anything else like that. It was the garden hose that was outside at Michigan Lutheran Seminary. I attended high school at MLS. In the Fall I absolutely loved that garden hose. It was adjacent to our football practice field. At the end of practice, I could not wait to grab that hose and guzzle down that cold, refreshing water. Sometimes I was the last one into the locker room because I stayed outside to cool off and quench my thirst after a long, hot, practice in August.

I might still dream every now and then about playing football, but I no longer do it. Now my thirst that needs to be quenched comes from something else. Life is full of challenges that I cannot meet and overcome on my own. I need help. This help cannot be found in a garden hose.

I need God’s love for me in Jesus and the promises of his presence, love, and forgiveness to sustain me. Where can I find it?

I find it in the Gospel. Jesus lived and died for me and the whole world!

I can find the Gospel in the Bible daily. I can find the Gospel in the sacraments regularly. I can find the Gospel and my brothers and sisters in Christ weekly at worship. In these places, God quenches my thirst for strength and peace.

Won’t you join your brothers and sisters in Christ at the quenching spring of the Gospel this week? Join us in person or online.

Psalm 42

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

When can I go and meet with God?