From amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants to job creation numbers, quality of life is something we all pay attention to. Healthcare, education, opportunities for all members of society, recreation, parks, clean air, good food and easily accessible shopping are all factors which make our cities and countries rank high on quality of life indexes. Much was the same when the prophet Elisha walked into the city. The men greeted him at the gate and gave him the quality of life report: "Behold, the situation of this city is pleasant!" (2 Kings 2:19). Things are going well for us. Life is good. We have good employment, new hospitals and great universities!
"But" they continued, "the water is bad." The water was bitter. The river was not just polluted, the very source, the spring of the water was bad. For all of our advances in medicine and technology, we have never been able to purify the heart: the water is bad. We are told that the prophet went to "the spring of the water" and there applied a remedy from God, declaring; "Thus says the LORD, I have healed this water."
It is your heart, dear reader, the fountain of all your thoughts, actions and desires that the Lord would heal. Though your body may be at ease, though all may seem pleasant to you, it is the condition of your heart that is the wellspring of life.
The Author of life is not looking for mere behavior modification, or a higher moral code to follow. He is looking to heal the source, the spring of your life - your heart.
The writer continued his description, "So the water has been healed to this day." The heart-healing of the Lord is a lasting remedy. Today's meditation is simple: Is it well with your heart?
Father, my one great need is for You to heal my heart. Apply your healing salve to the fountain of my life and all shall be well with me.
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