The thirsty hart may be so thirsty that he will drink polluted water. But it’s not what he needs. And it may sicken or even kill him.

I understand the enticement of that which is not good for me.

I know what it’s like to try to find pleasure, nourishment, and satisfaction in “mud puddles.”

But it’s all a vain, futile pursuit.

“Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter” (James 5:5).

Such is the witness against those settling for the mud puddles.

Deliver me from that! May I pant after Living Water.

I “cooked” some water this morning for coffee. As it got hotter, some of the water turned to vapor. I could see it. But not for long.

Is that how my life has been? Is that how my life is?

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14).

Yep, that’s my life.

Therefore let me use it wisely.

Let me value that which is truly valuable.

Let me treasure relationships and encourage people.

Let me love the Lord and follow His ways and do His work.

Let me build for eternity and lay up treasures in heaven.

Because my life here has the duration of steam off cooking water.