When Jesus cried out from the cross, “I thirst,” it was more than a physical plea for water. While He undoubtedly experienced the excruciating thirst brought on by crucifixion, His words carried a profound spiritual weight. Jesus, the Living Water, expressed a deeper longing. He ached for the fellowship of His followers. He had called them His mother, brothers, and sisters. Even as He bore the crushing weight of our sins, He yearned for a restored connection. He desired it not just with His disciples, but with humanity itself.

When We Drift We Need the Spirit & the Church

That cry of thirst resonates deeply in our own lives. When we drift away from Christ and His church, we experience a similar thirst. Our spirits grow parched, longing for something to fill the void. We try to quench it with the temporary comforts of the world, including busyness, entertainment, relationships, or success. These efforts only leave us thirsting for more. True satisfaction can’t come from anything this world offers.

The only relief comes through the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised in John 4:14: “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” This Living Water—the Spirit of God—refreshes our weary souls. It also draws us back into fellowship with Him and His people.

In this fellowship, we find more than community; we find renewal, restoration, and purpose. We were designed to live in connection with God and His church. That’s why the Holy Spirit’s presence not only quenches our thirst but also fills us to overflowing. The Holy Spirit equips us to reach out and pour into others.

So, when you find yourself thirsting for something more, take a moment to pause and think. Are you seeking satisfaction in places that can never fulfill you? Are you distant from the presence of God? Jesus is still calling out. He offers the Living Water that will satisfy your soul. This will bring you back into alignment with Him.

Transitions Can Be Difficult

Recently, my family experienced a season of transition in ministry. After much prayer and wise counsel with my pastor, I made the decision to resign from my pastoral position, and we are now stepping into the field of evangelism. I’m grateful to say that God has been opening doors, and we’ve been staying busy ministering. However, for the first time, we’ve found ourselves searching for a church home. For someone whose ministry has always been deeply tied to the local church, this has been an emotional journey for both my wife and me.

Visiting churches has been a blessing, and we’ve encountered wonderful people and powerful services. Yet, we couldn’t shake the feeling of disconnection—like something was missing. Through prayer and the gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit, we realized it was time to take the plunge and choose a church to settle at. Once that decision was made, everything began to shift. Having a place of worship and fellowship for us and our children brought a sense of life and renewal that we hadn’t felt in months. It was as though God’s peace and joy flowed back into our hearts.

This experience reminded me of an important truth: God’s gift to us is His church. Too often, people try to seek God without anchoring themselves in a church family, but He never intended for us to walk this journey alone. Floating from church to church may seem harmless, but it can leave us feeling spiritually adrift. The local church is where God moves, where we are nourished, and where we find fellowship with others walking the same path.

As an evangelist, I’m honored to travel and minister in various congregations, but when I’m home, I have a home church—a place where I can worship, grow, and stay connected to the body of Christ. If you’re feeling disconnected or unsure about where you belong, I encourage you to pray and take the step of committing to a church. You’ll find that when you plant yourself in God’s house, His Spirit will restore, renew, and refresh you in ways only He can.

Call to Action

If your soul feels dry and distant from God, now is the time to respond. If you’re in church, I encourage you to go to the altar. Seek His presence. Be filled with the Holy Spirit—the Living Water that satisfies every longing. If you’re at home, don’t let anything stop you from turning your heart to Him. Pray, worship, and invite His Spirit to fill you once again.

Step back into fellowship with the church, and let His Spirit renew, restore, and revive your life today. Jesus is still calling, and He is ready to quench your thirst.

Thanks for reading,
Hank