Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. (NIV)

What a crazy time in history we live in to try to be sexually pure!  Although the lust of the flesh has always been real, today we all deal with sexual temptation at every turn. Super market tabloids, Instagram, television, movies, casual sex, sexy attire for men and women, nudity, porn, etc., etc., on and on! The only way to avoid it is to lock yourself away in your room, no electronics allowed! But, then…your mind is there. Even our own thoughts can lead us right into the very sin we’re trying to avoid. Ugh! Then comes this command from Proverbs 5:15, “Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well.”

‍

While I think we’re all familiar with a well and its function, we may not be as familiar with a cistern. It’s basically the same as a well, but instead of storing underground water, usually from underground rivers, a cistern catches rainwater and keeps it pure for consumption. Construction of both a well and a cistern are very important for them to function properly.

‍

In ancient times cisterns and wells were usually dug in bedrock and possibly sealed with plaster. Rainwater run-off was not consumed as this water was contaminated with all sorts of bacteria from different sources like livestock feces. It could kill you!

‍

What does this have to do with sexual purity?

First, everything on Earth needs water to live. Preparing a well or cistern properly to collect and store safe water for life is imperative and so is preparing for sex God’s way. Purity in our marriage relationship is life in abundance. It’s God’s best. That’s not to say everyone needs to get married, but sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage.

‍

Second, why would you abandon a healthy, life-giving well and trade it for a stinking stagnant cesspool? Within marriage, sex is a healthy, loving, God-honoring activity. Outside of marriage, God asks us, “Should your spring overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public square?” (Prov. 5:16).

‍

Remember runoff – rainwater accumulating contaminants from feces? This is sexual intimacy outside of marriage. It is putrid, it grieves the heart of God, and it will kill you. Disease, separation in your relationship with God, emotional belonging, and healthy intimacy in marriage are all affected by my purity or lack thereof.

‍

For those not married but desiring it, prepare your cistern now! Dig into the bedrock of Scripture, prepare yourself to drink deeply of your own well, overflowing with blessing. And remember, “Your ways are in full view of the Lord, he examines all your paths” (Prov. 5:21). Welcome him to examine you, and he will also provide a way of escape from temptation (1 Cor. 10:13). Be honest about temptation BEFORE it turns to sin.

‍

For those of us that have a less than stellar track record in this area, remember the plaster used to repair the cisterns and wells? Confession and repentance are God’s “plaster” for renewal. Ask for His forgiveness and repent by changing your mind about your sin. Ask God to give you HIS vision for sexual intimacy and ask the Holy Spirit to help you adopt this vision in your life. You won’t regret it!

‍

For all you married folks out there: “Let [your spouse] be yours and yours alone, never to be shared with strangers” (Prov. 5:17). Treasure your spouse as a deep well in the desert. Be satisfied with their “intoxicating love” (Prov. 5:19). Never let the beauty and privilege of the marriage relationship and the gift of intimacy it provides become a burden. Your spouse is a great gift from God. They are someone to build a Godly and fulfilling life with, an abundant life where sexual intimacy is shared freely, and where both are satisfied. Drink deeply, friends.

Yeshua, I pray you would guide all of us in bringing you glory in how we express sexual love, whether that means abstinence for some or sexual intimacy for others. Let each of us obey your command to “Drink of our own cisterns,” and trust, in your wisdom, you will bring love and fulfillment to all your people. Amen.