Joy A. Mead

To anyone else, this just looks like a basic jug for water. And it is practically a useful item, but, to me, it represents so much more than that.

A few years ago now, my husband accidentally broke one of our jugs and then unfortunately last year, I broke another one, leaving us with only one quite large jug for entertaining. The challenge has been that our kids and even some of our guests have struggled to pour from this last remaining, large jug, because it is just too heavy when filled. 

But trying to be my resourceful self, I’ve tried to manage without buying a new, smaller jug. When everything from groceries to petrol to utility bills have all gone up, I’ve tried hard to not make purchases unnecessarily. And to me, buying a new jug wasn’t the current priority. 

A few weeks ago, I happened to be in a charity shop before my son’s birthday and was looking for more books for him, since he is engrossed with a certain adventure series. Immediately, I spotted five books for Luke and felt quite pleased to have found them.

Before making my purchase, I had a quick browse of the rest of the shop when I glanced over the dishes and crockery to see a dusty, water jug. At first, it wasn’t much to look at, but I could envision the potential after running it through the dishwasher. It was solid and sturdy, yet it was small enough for my youngest child to pour on his own, and for only two pounds, the price was right. 

In the middle of the shop, I smiled and whispered a little, “Thank you, God! You knew I had wanted one!”

And God’s peace came over me, as if to say, “You’re welcome, my child. Even before you ask, even if you think it’s not important enough to ask for, I know what you need. I’m looking after you and this little jug is your new daily reminder!”

You see, it was never really about the jug. Of course, it’s a practical and useful item to have, and we now have it out all the time at mealtimes. But God knew that what I really needed, in that moment and in that particular week, was a tangible reminder that he walks with me and is the supplier of all my needs. 

Just like when thirsty, a child asks for water from mum or dad and without a thought, the parents fill up the child’s glass, so it is with God, our Heavenly Father. We, adults, just sometimes forget to even ask. Sometimes, we believe the lies that somehow we just aren’t worthy enough to even ask for what we need, or we convince ourselves that others have it worse than us and we shouldn’t even bother asking.

Yet, God knows what we each need even before we ever ask. (Matthew 6:8) He is abundantly caring, and I believe he delights when we simply come without reservation, to present our requests to him with thankfulness in our hearts for all he has already given.

I am so grateful for our little jug, and my boy looks especially pleased that he can now pour his own glass without any help from the grown-ups. And I have a deep smile of my own watching him use the little jug, knowing that God supplied it in the first place. 

Not only does God provide little jugs or whatever the equivalent might be in your life, but he fills us each up with his living water. He refreshes our souls alongside meeting our practical needs. 

May each of us know God’s heart full of love this week. He cares for every possible need we might have, providing for us exactly when we need it the most!