This experience is exactly what Jesus described as “thirst” when He spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well which we read about in our previous lesson (John 4).
Jesus was talking with a woman who had come out to a well to get water and He made the statement to her, “whoever drinks this water will thirst again” (John 4:13).
Jesus was using “this water”, and particularly, this “thirst” the woman had as a metaphor for what was going on in her life.
John 4:18 NIV The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."
This woman was going from one relationship to another, to another, until by the time Jesus spoke with her she had gone through six men. Possibly she got a new thrill each time someone paid some attention to her, or maybe she was filled with anticipation with each new relationship, longing for true love and real satisfaction, hoping each new man would provide it for her.
And we could substitute the word “man” above for the word “game”, or “Youtube video” or whatever provides us a rush, some excitement, a thrill, or some new experience.
But the problem is that these experiences are really like saltwater. Salt-water doesn’t quench your thirst, it just leaves you thirsty for more. In fact, the more we drink salt water, the more dehydrated we will become. So it’s important to begin to understand that what we have been turning to in media addiction, something to provide a thrill, or to relieve boredom, or to try to meet some other need is really spiritual “saltwater.” It doesn’t quench our thirst, as proved by the fact that we keep coming back to it, keep playing it hour after hour and day after day, which is what I experienced when I was addicted to gaming.
Question 2. What things would you describe as “saltwater” in your life currently? Please be specific.
Log in / create an account to enroll or continue where you left off.
Let’s look at that comparison we started looking at yesterday in John chapter 4 verses 13 and 14:
John 4:13-14 NIV Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, (14) but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
Question 3. What comparisons do you see again in verses 13 and 14?
Log in / create an account to enroll or continue where you left off.