I have the most beautiful set of dishes. They are an old Corelle design, Golden Butterflies, and they are a family heirloom. My grandma used them and then I’ve added to the collection via yard sales and Goodwill. I really love being able to use them and I do so daily. I was so excited that the colors turquoise and mustard yellow were “in” when I got married, they match the dishes perfectly.
You’ll understand then that I was so sad to find the pitcher from my set broken on the counter, it had fallen over and shattered against the tile. But, this broken pitcher reminded me of Jeremiah 2:13 when the Israelites replaced God, the wellspring of living water, for broken cisterns.
I realize that my pitcher is not quite a broken cistern, but the idea is the same. They had replaced a spring, a never-ending supply of water with a broken, empty vessel that cannot hold water. And then I realized how often I do the same thing. Instead of worshiping and following God, I replace Him with other things. When I put myself, my friends, my work, my time, my comfort, my desires, my child, my reputation, above my worship of God, I’m trading out a well for a broken pitcher!
When I don’t strive for holiness and instead feed my own comforts? A broken pitcher.
When I try to satisfy my own needs instead of relying on God? A broken pitcher.
When I worry about how I will make things work or go smoothly and don’t bring it to God? A broken pitcher.
When I seek advice from friends before turning to the Word or praying? A broken pitcher.
When I spend more time on social media when I should be reading my Bible? A broken pitcher.
All those broken pitchers have no power, because they are empty. They will never truly bring joy, they will never save me when I am destitute. They will never satisfy.
Only God has everything that I need. Second Peter 1:3 says that “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness.” Jesus said it Himself in John 4:14. He truly is a wellspring of living water, “living” meaning that it is not stagnant, it’s flowing and fresh. He has abundant power. I can only find true joy and meaning in Him. Only He will truly satisfy every want and need.
So today I’m trading in my broken pitcher, that would never hold water, for God’s overflowing and abundant well. I want to live in His power and bring Him glory, not myself or any other thing. He is the One that deserves all of my efforts and worship and I don’t want to trade Him for anything.
