One of the best analogies to the Christian life that I have ever heard was first written by Paul, came to fruition in Jonathan Edwards, found in the mind of C.S. Lewis, written again by John Piper, and heard by my ears in the summer of 2006. Here it is below:
“The glory of water is that is quenches thirst. We do not honor the refreshing, self-replenishing, pure water of a mountain spring by lugging buckets of water up the path to make our contributions from the ponds below. We honor the spring by feeling thirsty, getting down on our knee’s, and drinking with joy. Then we say “AHHH” (That’s worship!), and then we go on our journey in the strength of the fountain (That’s service!). The mountain spring is honored and glorified most when we are most satisfied with its water!” (John Piper)
This hits me so hard because of Psalm 36:8, “God gives us drink from the river of His pleasure.” You see? We drink deeply of God through His Word, and then live in the strength of what we drank. God, as the ‘mountain spring’ is glorified most when we are most satisfied in Him. Embrace this truth, live by it, your life will change.