Readings: Psalm 21:14-21; Isaiah 41:14-20; Romans 15:14-21

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none,

And their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them,

I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; 

I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

Isaiah 41:17-18, NRSV

If you happen to be on the waterfront of Plymouth, Massachusetts, at low tide, look for the seagulls and pigeons on the sand. You’ll see them stretched out in a few lines, squawking and looking for all the world like they are at a party. Look closer, and you’ll see the reason: they are gathered at the freshwater streams that flow into the ocean. Visible and available only at low tide, these streams are life for the birds who are surrounded by salt water that is the home of their food source but can never quench their thirst. When low tide comes, the birds drink, bathe, and rejoice. 

The seacoast birds give me a glimpse of the joy that water (really life) is in a desert. And if that’s not a glimpse of God’s love, what is?