“Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror,” declares the Lord. “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living, water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” Jeremiah 2:12-13
“Me do it!”—that’s a classic declaration from a determined toddler, convinced they can handle a task far beyond their ability. Parents (and grandparents) know the moment well: watching as their little one struggles, refusing help, only to return moments later, humbled, and needing guidance.
Isn’t that us with God?
Next week, we enter Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday, a time of deep reflection and transformation. It’s a season to pause, examine our hearts, and invite God to shape us more into the image of Jesus. But this process starts with humility—admitting that far too often, we say to God, “Me do it!”
Like stubborn children, we long for independence, chasing self-sufficiency, thinking we can navigate life without fully relying on God. That’s exactly what God addresses in Jeremiah 2. His people had turned away from Him, the source of living water, and tried to dig their own cisterns—self-made solutions that simply couldn’t hold what they needed.
Ancient cisterns were essential for collecting fresh water, carefully sealed to prevent leaks and contamination. If they cracked, the water seeped away, wasted and useless. That’s the image of our souls when we turn from God—leaking, empty, unable to hold the fullness of life He offers.
As Augustine of Hippo once wrote:
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”
So how do we stop leaking?
Lent is an invitation to return to the Source.
- Acknowledge the cracks—the places where pride, sin, or self-reliance have left us dry.
- Seek God’s restoration—allowing His forgiveness and grace to mend and refill us.
- Drink deeply—immersing ourselves in His presence, trusting that only He can truly satisfy.
As we step into this Lenten season, let’s be honest with God. Let’s trade our broken cisterns for His living water. Let’s repent, believe, and be filled again with His presence and power.
Now, friends—who’s thirsty?
~Steve
