Empty Cups

My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.

Jeremiah 2:13

In his seventeenth-century devotional classic A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, William Law describes a thirsty man who kept holding up one empty cup after another to his lips. No matter how beautiful the cups were, Law observes, and no matter how glittery and golden they seemed, the poor man only grew thirstier while lifting them to his mouth—for empty cups cannot quench thirst.

Many people today are seeking inner fulfillment and emotional peace by lifting one empty cup after another to their lips. But Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. . . . Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37-38).

Without the risen Christ in our homes and hearts, we’re missing the kind of encouragement we need to keep going. He is the true source of encouragement, and as we partake of the living waters of His grace, we’ll overflow with true encouragement into the lives of others.

Put down your empty cups, and drink richly of Christ!

Awaken your soul into a zealous desire of that solid happiness, which is only to be found in recourse to God.

WILLIAM LAW