Famous was the well at Beer in the wilderness—and for one reason: God promised it! "That is the well," the Lord told Moses. "Gather the people together, and I will give them water." The people desperately needed water, and their gracious God promised to provide it. We need fresh supplies of heavenly grace, and in his covenant the Lord has pledged himself to give us everything we require.

But the well became more than just a promise fulfilled—it became a cause for singing! Before the water even gushed forth, cheerful faith prompted the people to sing. And when they saw that crystal fountain bubbling up from the desert floor? The music grew yet more joyous! This is how we should live. We who believe God's promises should rejoice even in the prospect of divine revivals in our souls. And when we experience them? Our holy joy should overflow like water from a desert spring.

Are you thirsting? Then do not murmur—sing! Yes, spiritual thirst is bitter to bear, but we need not bear it. The promise indicates a well. Be of good heart and look for it!

Notice too that the well became a center of prayer. "Spring up, O well!" they cried. Here's the principle: what God has engaged to give, we must inquire after, or we manifest that we have neither desire nor faith. So tonight, let us ask that the Scripture we have read and our devotional exercises may not be empty formality but channels of grace to our souls. O that God the Holy Spirit would work in us with all his mighty power, filling us with all the fullness of God!

Lastly, the well was the object of effort. "The nobles of the people dug it with their staves." The Lord would have us active in obtaining grace. Our staves are ill-adapted for digging in sand, but we must use them to the utmost of our ability. Prayer must not be neglected! The assembling of ourselves together must not be forsaken! Ordinances must not be slighted!

The Lord will give his peace most plenteously, but not in a way of idleness. Let us then bestir ourselves to seek him in whom are all our fresh springs!