Jesus usually has a way of getting straight to the heart of the matter, doesn’t He? I imagine it was both comforting and perhaps a bit unsettling for those who interacted with Him in the flesh. Sometimes I feel like I’m watching a movie when the audience knows more than the person in the story. Jesus always knows what is really going on. He knows what lies beneath the surface. He knew what Judas was up to during their last dinner together (Matthew 26:21–25). He knew what Nicodemus was searching for when He came asking questions (John 3:1–21). And He knew what this Samaritan woman needed when she went to the well looking for water (John 4:1–26).
She went at midday, so we can probably assume she avoided the more crowded morning and evening times. Nevertheless, she needed water, so even if she wanted to avoid the man already there, she had to get what she went for.
But Jesus knew what she’d long been looking for (spoiler: it wasn’t actual water), and He also knew all the ways she had tried to find it herself. He knew all the places she had run trying to satisfy the deepest desires of her heart, all the other proverbial wells she had visited for respite. As He stood, telling her about living water, she was still missing the full extent of what He was offering. If she knew, she might never settle for less than that again.
“If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you,
‘Give me a drink,’ you would ask him,
and he would give you living water.”
—John 4:10
Jesus’s interaction with this Samaritan woman offers us such a vivid picture of what we are reflecting on this Advent season. All of us are longing for something. Stability. Love. Fulfillment. Comfort. Relief. We have desires for those longings to be satisfied, those dreams to become reality. And I would venture to guess that some of those feel like a “not yet” for you. But the beauty of Jesus’s first coming as a baby in Bethlehem is that we have a Savior who has come near to us, right in the midst of our deepest desires. He has seen us, and He has come close, offering us living water when we didn’t even know that’s what we needed.
Just as Jesus offered an unlikely woman what she really needed (but maybe not what she thought she wanted), He offers you and me the same thing. And in offering it to us, we get to offer it to the world. Because only God knows what the world is longing for and who they really need. Only He knows the desire of every nation—of men and women down the street and around the world. He knows that we are all prone to look in the wrong places and to the wrong people to satisfy what we really desire. Just like the outcast Samaritan woman looking for water, we, too, are looking for something more. We are dry and thirsty, and yet we are quick to settle for the closest water source that will leave us thirsty all over again.
So this Advent season, may you drink deeply from the wellspring of life—the very spirit of God.
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64 thoughts on "Dear Desire of Ev’ry Nation Day 18"
This breaks my heart. Do you have any updates?
Such a great reminder of what our hearts are truly longing for and that God already provided what we long for, Jesus.
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Amen!
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This is so encouraging when the waiting feels really tough and tedious.
Prayers for your sister
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This hits such a tender spot of my heart, prayers that have at times become to feel like “long suffering” as the “not yet” has felt wounding. For years, over 15 now, I have long prayed, expected, and proclaimed true flourishing for my sister. That she experience revelation of the deep abundant love the Father has for her as she is.
She experienced dark terrible traumatic abuse on top of our parents getting divorced when we were so young. It pains me to see the ways she clings to such momentary “comforts” in the aftermath of these things.She gives herself to so many others but herself.
I so long for deep healing and restoration in her heart, identity, and body.
I would love for this community to wrap their arms around her in prayer. Please pray for new awareness of living water already available to her. And that she see herself as Jesus see’s her and the Samaritan woman.
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How incredible @lexi b !!!!! Merry Christmas!
Ohhh Kathy!! I’m so glad you listened to His prompting!!
Lexi!! That’s amazing!! Thank you Jesus!!!! Just think!! While your not paying rent for 4 months your saving for 4 months!!! Wow!!! Only God!!
@Lexi B @Michelle Patire I too loved the “Gods will Gods Bill” saying. In a time where I find it really hard to let God take control and help me get through my own worries. Reminding myself of Gods will is so much more important.
@Kathy loved your testimony today. I used to always write letters to my grandma since I was a little girl. When she started to decline God was prompting me to write her one more letter. So I did it even though I dreaded it because I didn’t want it to be the last one. Well my grandma got thats letter and as her CNA was reading it to her she passed away. I too don’t always feel like God uses me so quickly or maybe in such an intentional way that I can see it but I too praised God for nudging me.
Praise God Lexi B! See how He provides !
CHURCHMOUSE, Amen
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Lexi B- so beautiful! I celebrate with you in spirit :) What a loving gift to get to have – so glad you shared!
Jesus knows the “desires” of my heart. Lord help me to slow down so that when I start seeking those desires from some worldly source I can stop and remind myself that it is You who can fully fill those desires. Lord we praise you for Your blessings and I ask that you forgive me of my sins. Amen
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It’s crazy that even as a Christian I still search for love and comfort in all the wrong places. I try to find it in other people, things or experiences. I pray I would only find these things in Christ.
THAT is so cool Lexi!!! Wow! God is Good! Congratulations!
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Beautiful story. Where did you learn of this?
@lexi B!!!!!!!!!!!
So I have literally been saying the phrase “God’s will, God’s bill” — my friend shared that phrase with me a little bit ago and I’ve been saying it for the past two weeks. Mostly to combat the financial fears I am facing. I know I am doing God’s will for my life and He is definitely challenging my thinking in the area of finances. I use my car for work and it’s just a mess to deal with financially. Yesterday, it had to go to the shop and it was either they fixed the issue or I needed a new car. So I kept saying, “God’s will, God’s bill” to encourage myself that God would provide.
Literally your post makes me laugh cuz it’s like God saying “you see, you’re not alone. And I hear you.”
So my car is “fixed” to some degree. I just got the news literally minutes ago. But I await on God for the financial part. I believe He is also telling me to move too (in the nearer future) but I have ZERO savings. Don’t yet know where or when..but.. Your story is literally a living hope for me. Thank you so much for sharing.
I just wanna say PRAISE GOD and thank you for sharing your testimony. I love this community so much.
I reply as the Samaritan woman replied “15“Sir,” the woman said to him, “give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty…”, this living water.
Lord of lords, You know all and You know what I and my sisters need, I come to You with an open and joyful heart, Your will not ours be done as we await Your Son’s second coming. Amen.
Be blessed and receive the living water of God joyfully.
Jennifer loves Jesus- thank you for sharing the background of the woman at the well. I did not know that about her!
Kathy- Loved your testimony about God using you .
Heidi- Praying for you in this season. I read your comments and relate to so much you are going through.
Guys I have a praise report. God told me awhile back that in October, I should consider moving in December. I’ve wanted a house in a safer area, with a garage so I could safely store my vehicle. I am a new business owner and I was not sure where the funds were coming from or if I could even find a house I could afford since rent has skyrocketed in my area. So I’d look, not get any peace and move on. I finally stopped looking, content with my not so great living situation.
November 30th, my waterheater broke, flooding my apartment and leaving me without hot water (until about yesterday; praise God for hot water again). So I pick up the search again, looking for a new place to rent. I did not want an apartment because honestly they are almost more expensive than houses are right now. So I found a house that I loved, wrote it off as impossible due to the rent cost and kept looking.
A week later, by chance a friend brought that house to my attention again. For the area, it is rare for houses to not be snatched up. And the rent, although high for me, was very low for the area. I contacted the realtor, put in an application and then gave all my fears to God- moving costs, affording the place on my self employed salary, everything. In my worrying, one of my friends told me a fun thing: God’s Will; God’s bill.
Yesterday, I got the call that my application was approved. I told my friends who’d been praying for the situation. One of them met me later to tell me that God had her set aside money for me a while ago and He would tell her when to give it to me. Guys, my moving costs, rent for 4 months are all covered by that check! God is so good and He truly took care of everything. I get a house for Christmas! Wanted to share this good news with my SRT family. This has been a challenging season requiring me to lay aside logic and my own understanding and just fully trust God. He is faithful. And I am thankful.
I set down what I am carrying – what I think I need – and open my hands to receive Your good and perfect gifts I actually need.
I love the “woman at the well” dialogue! I too remember that moment at the well like many of you! I was searching for love and comfort in all the wrong places as well, and it wasn’t working, and then I hit my knees and took that drink of living water. Your comments describe it so beautifully! Thank you everyone and SRT for the devotions and scriptures.
@tina that was beautiful!
My anxiety is through the roof today. My husband is supposed to get his bloodwork results back. I’ve been praying that his numbers are lower. That’s what the doctors want, for his numbers to be lower. He has a couple of issues with his thyroid. Nobody has said cancer, but the numbers made us wonder. But if they are lower the chances are lower too. Asking for prayers for him. I’ve been loving doing this study every day. It’s just what I have needed during this time.
Great devo! I was the woman at the well constantly searching for what would fill the longing/hole in my heart. But, who better to fill that longing than the one Who placed it there. Nothing material of this world will give me the peace I seek besides Jesus.
I have been the woman at the well and it brought me to my knees. I was seeking out love in others. It hurt and it hurt badly. I’m so thankful for God drawing me to Him. In putting that desire on my heart to turn towards Him. The forgiveness He has given me.
Same ♡
Good Morning sweet sisters! Can’t believe its mid week already! I don’t want to settle for the quickest water source. May I remember to keep seeking and going to the wellspring of LIVING water. I have no where else to turn but to Jesus. My true giver of life. I cannot do life with out HIM nor do I want to. FINALS are here for all our highschoolers (Wed-Fri) as I’m sure those of you with high school children are aware. Please pray for our students who are studying hard to do well. I see it in my daughter who spends late night hours studying.
Love this devotional today – it really captured the true meaning of the story of the woman at the well. I’ve definitely been feeling like her lately, looking for satisfaction and comfort in all the wrong places. What a good reminder today to put our hope in Jesus, the only that truly satisfies ❤️
*ERIN LAWALLEN* -praying you are resting and recovering well today.
*TheBestIsYetToCome* -how did the court appointment go yesterday?
Thanks for the prayers for finishing out this semester… Please don’t stop ;)
I had a couple of panic attacks yesterday and my anxiety is back at a place I haven’t had to experience in YEARS. It takes over my whole body and I just shake everywhere… I’m feeling underprepared and the lack of time to get everything finished is overwhelming me. I dedicated this time to this study because I know jumping in to school work without this time isn’t wise – but even now I feel such pressure to just “hurry up and get to work!”. Hate feeling this way – I just want time to multiply and my time spent on school work to be efficient and get me the knowledge, wisdom, and grade I need… help ;)
Thank you Jesus for sharing your living water. ❤️
I have to share what happened yesterday. One of my good friend’s dad has been in poor health for several months. The last two weeks they have called in hospice. This Advent season I have tried to be more intentional about being still and listening. And then acting on what I have heard. Yesterday I was waiting to get my hair done so I was going through my email. I saw the email from our church secretary reminding people to be in prayer for Diane and her dad. When I saw the email I said a little prayer and then felt a nudge to send her a text. I told her I was praying for her and her family. I prayed that God’s peace and presence would be overwhelming in their lives right then. Just a few minutes later I got a text from her that said, “Kathy, he had literally just died when you sent that text. Thank you so much!”
Y’all it left me speechless and in tears. My hairdresser thought something terrible had happened. I shared it with her and both cried and then praised God for nudging and giving me the desire to listen to His nudging.
Just wanted to share. I don’t usually get used by God that quickly!!
When I think of what’s been a desire of youmine in the past few years, or longing…it still true that nothing measures up to miracle that I know Jesus. God help me to daily live in expectation of being with you and meeting
Every year the gift of peace from Jesus soaks into me a little more. My faith gains more ground in each season of Advent. Not because my life is easier, but because my heart knows where to go when dry and thirsty. I remember. “Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink’, you would ask him and he would give you living water.” (To the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:10). There is a well deep inside me tapped into Jesus flowing with living and eternal water. As I have received, so I want to give. Jesus knows my heart just as he knew the woman at the well. The root of Jesse was not much to look at, but it was the power of love through the Spirit of God that grew a towering tree of salvation. Jesus came to us with the answer to every question and to quench every thirst. To turn and worship Him can be my only next response. The Samaritan woman left her waterpot behind and went on to become an early evangelist, telling others of this first Advent. The very thing she brought to fill was forgotten. She was full of truth and grace. She brought others to the Messiah. After the Resurrection history tells of her baptism and being given a new name. She was called Photini “The Enlightened One”. This beautiful story does not end with a Christmas-y tied with a bow ending. She and her family of seven children were later martyred under the rule of Nero. They were thrown into a well. Full stop. Her story in scripture begins with Jesus at the well, and even though her life on earth ended with death in another well, she is forever held by the hands of our glorious God and Father of Eternal Life. She knew Him and she stood for Him in utter humility because she worshiped Him in Spirit and truth, just as Jesus taught her back at that first well. No matter how our life here goes or how it ends, when we live for Christ we will be lifted by His Spirit to endure all the hard things. We will possess the peace that surpasses all understanding. We will know Him and serve Him because of who He is. In return we receive the crown of His Kingdom. There is nothing better than this. My heart and soul know this is true. He is making all things new. Right here, right now. He fills us and fills us and fills us with His beauty, truth, and goodness. Thank you Jesus. Amen.
Amen, Churchmouse!
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Jesus gave the Samaritan woman Himself. He gave her His time, His fellowship, and real love. He gave her living water, eternal life, truth, forgiveness, salvation, a reason and person to worship, the revelation of Himself as Messiah, and a message. He gave the centurion the answer to his prayer—the healing of his paralyzed servant. He gave him commendation for the faith and trust he showed Jesus.
It brings so much peace to hear of his deep love for us in this reading. He really truly is all we need.
Tina, you so accurately expressed my thoughts when you expressed your thoughts, my heart when you expressed your heart. I am seen. I am heard. I am someone. I am loved. I count. Thank you, Jesus, for giving me what I could never find on my own.
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Beautiful today ❤️
Beautiful Churchmouse, thank you for sharing and how true. If we really peel it all back we have nothing and still he gives us everything. Merry Christmas dear friend!
Such a good devo today! Some things I wrote in my journal: “Jesus is right in the midst of my deepest desires.” “Only He can satisfy.” “May I have the strength to cling to Jesus and not run to the wrong places and wrong people to satisfy what I really desire.” In my season of waiting and “not yet”, I need to hear these words and let them soak into my soul so that I not just know it superficially, I know it with every fiber in my being. I hope everyone has a blessed day and finds their true satisfaction in Jesus <3
Father to feel Your presence this advent and Christmas season fully in joy and peace. In Jesus name, Amen
I had “not yet” written all over my book before I read this reflection. So much feels like “not yet”, including the “thirst no more”. I know Jesus as the living water, I know He is the only one who satisfies, I know He is ultimately enough. And yet, my heart still thirsts for all of what is promised when He returns. Sometimes so much it’s hard to stand. Yet I stand on faith that He will make it all right. ❤️
I love the title of this devotion and the stories that reflect different peoples and groups all desiring the Savior! He truly is the desire of every nation!
Hallelujah! My dear Saviour is my joy!!
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Thank you, Lindsey Jacobi – great devo.
Yes, we are all searching and may we remember that everything we need is in Jesus! May we lean on (or cling to!) His everlasting arms.
TINA – ❤️ I myself have made trips to that well. Aren’t we ever so thankful that Christ meets us wherever we are?
Praying through each request.
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Amen!
What do I want for Christmas? What do I need? What is a passing fancy? What is my deepest longing? I can choose to be superficial in my requests or I can be honest and bold. Truth be told, there’s some confession on bended knee that is necessary before I go trotting into the throne room. I am so needy and He is so gracious. He sees me when I can barely look at myself. This is Emmanuel. God with us. Providing more than what I think I want or need. There is no reciprocal gift I can give Him. His gift is personal and extravagant, priceless and costly. Who am I that I should be the recipient of His lavish love? In humility I bow, with thanksgiving. This is all I have to give. Adoration. Worship.
“On that day the root of Jesse
will stand as a banner for the peoples.
The nations will look to him for guidance,
and his resting place will be glorious” Isa. 11:10.
“And his banner over me is love” Song of Sol. 2:4.
PAM C – standing in agreement with you that you will find favor amd your application will be accepted.
MIA FAITH – praying your recovery is going well.
K SWENSON – praying for the Lord to fill your S-I-L with His peace and give her and the doctors wisdom. May you and the rest of the family have courage as tou support her.
MARI – praying your exam goes well.
ALISA W – continuing to pray for you and your family’s housing situation.
Amen, good devo! Let’s find our satisfaction in God.
That trip to the well… oh my goodness, I could play the woman at the well.. who am I kidding, I was her, and probably for sure still am, from time to time!
That quest, that desire to ‘quench a thirst’ that is momentary, I knew it well.. I have known it, and I can tell you.. none of it, was in any way shape or form my finest hour…
BUT GOD…
My dear wonderful gentle, faithful, non condemning FATHER GOD..
He took that desire to be loved, seen, heard, to be a someone, covered and wrapped me tight in the gift of His Son Jesus.. and He has not just been for Christmas, I can tell you!
Through Scripture, His Word, and through my heart and soul change, because of my relationship with Him, I know thst I am seen. I am heard. I am a someone, loved, more than I could ever imagine. Yes, I mess up, each day, but guess what? I am still covered by my Father God, whose arms are always open and whose love for me was measured on the cross, as the beautiful book( guess how much I love you) says.. This much ✝️
Thank you God, Thank you Jesus, thank you Holy Spirit.. Thank you with all my heart, thank you for everything..
BUT GOD..
AMEN.
As I am wrapped, so I wrap you my SRT sisters in love, hugs and prayers for a good and God blessed day..❤