I Need a Drink - Meeting the Basic Human Need

by Sandy Ohlman

There are primary physical needs in every human. Our first physical need is our need for oxygen, met by the involuntary process of breathing. Our first physical voluntary need (one that we can control) is the need for water, H2O. Scientists tell us that we can go without food for a few weeks but a lack of water can cause death within a few days. It is a fundamental physical need.

There is “water” that meets our fundamental spiritual need and it can’t be purchased in a bottle. Jesus said in John 4:13&14, everyone who drinks of natural water will thirst over and over again. But, whoever drinks of the water He gives, spiritual water, will never thirst again. His water creates a spring within a human life that flows continually within, bringing eternal satisfaction.

Jesus separates and defines a second area of need in our lives: accomplishment. Our God is the Creator and wonder working King of Kings. It is the image of God within us that causes us to be industrious and creative, desiring accomplishment. The need for achievement or success within our work however is very different than our primary need for relationship. Jesus uses water and food to describe the two. In verses 13&14 Jesus speaks of relationship with the Father, by equating it with water. He continues the comparison by saying that food is to do the will of the Father; John 4:34b “… to accomplish and completely finish His work.” It is noteworthy to see the emphasis and priority is put on the water (relationship) without neglecting the food (work/ministry).

We live in a culture that glorifies and focuses on achievement and minimizes the value of relationships. Likewise, regarding physical needs, Nutritionists tell us that people often confuse thirst for hunger and while the body is longing for water, many people think its more food that’s required. Culturally we behave the same. We aren’t called “consumers” for nothing. While the human soul is shriveling through spiritual dehydration, people often believe that if they just achieve more or accumulate more "stuff" that a lasting sense of satisfaction will result. Jesus said it best, “All who drink of this water will be thirsty again.”

It all comes down to understanding your “who” and your “do”. Who you are is more important than what you do. You are a child of God created to enjoy relationship with the Almighty – that’s huge – life changing! What you do is intended to be the overflow of that joyful relationship.

If you’re feeling a little worn out and overworked, a little parched, it’s time to get back to source of life and draw from that water again. Take a deep breath, turn to God and drink Him in!

Click Here to read Sandy's Bio on the Contributor Page