Springs of Joy

In the Old Testament, after the Israelites moved into The Promised Land, the allotment of property belonging to Acsah, daughter of Caleb, was in the Negev, a desert region under the scorching sun that was often parched by the burning heat. There were hills adjacent to this tract of land, however, from which flowed seemingly inexhaustible springs that cooled and refreshed the land into which it flowed. So Acsah came to Caleb and asked for essentially a wedding gift from her father: “Caleb asked her, ‘What can I do for you?’ She replied, ‘Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.’ So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs” (Joshua 15:18-19).
 
Devotional writer, A.B. Simpson, comments on this passage by saying:
 
There are both “upper and lower springs” in life, and they are springs, not stagnant pools. They are the joys and blessings that flow from heaven above, through the hottest summer and through the most barren desert of sorrow and trials…These springs flow through the low places, the difficult places, the desert places, the lonely places, and even the ordinary places of life. And no matter what our situation may be, these springs can always be found.
 
You may be going through a rough patch in your life right now—a desert region. Regardless of the nature of it or the reason for it, that does not mean your parched heart cannot experience, even there, springs of blessings. Look to the Comforter who lives in your heart and taste how refreshing and replenishing are the springs which flow from God’s fullness. You may then be able to say along with David, “All my springs of joy are in you” (Psalm 87:7 NASB).
 
Some of the sweetest times with your Lord can be found in these springs of blessings. If so, then may it flow! Flood our hearts, O Lord, with the blessings of you!
 
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron