I will never forget the early-morning boat ride I took down the Ganges River. Rising everywhere along the banks were steps leading up to Hindu temples. Bathers were already in the water, submerged to their necks, even though this stretch of the river is terribly polluted.

According to our guide, the bathers believed that, many ages ago, the Hindu gods spilled a few drops of the elixir of eternal life into the Ganges River. Bathing in the waters of the Ganges offered hope that you might come into contact with that powerful potion and experience salvation. For many who live along the Ganges, the trek to the river is a daily part of life.

The Samaritan woman daily made her way to the village well to draw water. And there Jesus offered himself as the living water that wells up to eternal life. In Jesus' day, living water was the clear water of a flowing stream, compared to stagnant water found in a well or cistern. All who sustain a relationship of faith in Christ have the true source of pure, embracing, and never-ending nourishment.

My heart hurt for the thousands I saw in the Ganges that day. But you don't need to live in India to know spiritual thirst. You can be living the life of your dreams and still be dry as a cork at the center of your soul.

Come to Jesus and drink.