Bible commentator, Albert Barnes, in observing the above passage, remarked that the soul by nature is "... like a traveler wandering through ... a desert. It is thirsting for happiness, and seeking it everywhere, and finds it not. It looks in all directions and tries all objects, but in vain. Nothing meets its desires. Though a sinner seeks for joy in wealth and pleasures, yet he is not satisfied. He still thirsts for more, and seeks still for happiness in some new enjoyment. To such a weary and unsatisfied sinner the grace of Christ is as cold waters to a thirsty soul."
Christ promises us satisfaction that no other object can offer. People spend their entire lives searching for such satisfaction, but never find it. Many things in this world can offer a temporary fix—whether it be traveling, relationships, drugs, or meditation—but once the trip is over, the relationship has settled down, the high has worn off, and the mantras have ceased, they find their feet back in the sand and their throats once again parched. After all, why should a finite experience offer anything more than a finite fulfillment? The human heart desires something more, something greater, something eternal.
The body is ever in need of hydration; consequently it must be replenished with water from some external source. The soul alike is in need of spiritual water, and this too must come from some external Source. This Source is Christ; and He offers us what nothing else can. He offers to satisfy the eternal longing of the heart and bring to an end the wearisome search for everlasting fulfilment. "Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Rev 22:17)
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