“When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”
John 5:6
One of the most nutrient rich, crystal clear fishing reservoirs I have ever stumbled across in my life, was found behind some of the most dense, overgrown and impenetrable vegetation known to man. The pond behind the 50 acres of thistles and thorns was pristine and teaming with 8 to 9 pound Bass. In all of my fishing career, I had never come upon something so perfect, so complete, so picturesque, so soul-feeding, and so soul-healing. It touched me in areas I didn’t even know I had, but the journey between here and there was an absolute nightmare.
From the road and really all other vantage points you would have no idea the pond even existed. Matter of fact, on several occasions, I turned around unwilling to see the adventure for what it was and the thirst it could possibly quench. I simply had no idea how sweet its nectar would actually be and that lack of knowledge would literally decapitate the excursion, until one particular Saturday morning.
The number of times I have waded through chest high thorns, bushes and spider infested tree limbs on a pathway of hope is solemn. How many times those avenues have not been illuminated still surprise me to this day. With each passing briar field, It becomes more apparent that whatever “valley” lands on my plate as the daily special, has but one purpose and one purpose alone.
King David’s reign was marked by as many failures as there were successes. Because of his sin, his life and that of his family lay in ruin and dysfunction. Only after passing the final thorn bush on the outer boundary do we see the crystal clear streams of redemption and understand God’s gift from that rejuvenating reservoir as the main Reason David traversed the thistles in the first place.
Going through the bad to get to the beautiful is nothing new in the refinement of broken souls. Elegance rising from ashes plays an anthem for those who venture into its wilderness. Jesus’ resurrection closes the lid of the grave, leaving ample room for His grace to elaborate, ensuring the painting will be finished one day, its completion will be perfect and our need to press on will move forward without question. His crystal clear living water will extend beyond our understanding and need for transcendent rejuvenation, promising one day we will thirst no more, and one day we will be made whole and “lack nothing.”
