I Smell Water!

“For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.” —Job 14:7–9

Job is keeping himself encouraged in spite of all of the grief he has experienced. He reminds himself that if a dying tree can find new life when water is near, how much more can a discouraged man find new life when he knows God is near! He is a “a very present help” (Psalm 46:1).

As I consider this text, I discover a root can smell its life source. When I see God’s people still in church praising Jesus, I smell water. When I see the transformed lives through faith in Christ, I smell water. When I see converts still walking the aisle at church and getting baptized, I smell water! When I see heavy-hearted Christians still faithful to God, I smell water. When I see men and women giving themselves to prayer, I smell water. When I see children singing songs about Jesus, I smell water. When I see God’s people uphold a standard of righteousness, I smell water.

Friends, when I open my Bible, I smell water. When I look back at what Christ has done for Lighthouse Baptist Church, I smell water. When I look ahead at the promises of God, I smell water.

I am not saying this world is going to get any better, but I am saying you can get better! This church can get better. This country can get better.

When I see Americans still willing to stand and honor our flag, I smell water. When I see Americans giving of themselves sacrificially to help others, I smell water. The tree may appear to be cut down and dead, but there is hope because there is water.