I’m grateful to be able to see the mighty Fraser River from my apartment window. We’ve laughed many times about how the view was “optional” when we were looking for a place to locate here in New Westminster. I was much more concerned about having a quiet space to do the work we do. God was so generous to throw in these amazing river views as a bonus.
Even though the river is close I still love to get outside and get closer. There are a number of riverfront parks within just 5-10 minutes of here and whether it’s a short afternoon walk or taking a lawn chair and sitting by the river for a while reading a book, my friend Evelyn and I so enjoy being by the river and we go there often.
It makes me smile as I think about how God so often used a picture of a river to help us understand His heart for us and His will for our daily lives. This familiar verse is one example:
He (that’s us) will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and it’s leaf does not wither. In whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:3
Jesus told us that he himself and life in him was a river. No matter where we are God wants to refresh us and then through us to refresh others around us.
He said: he who believes in me, as the Scripture said, from his innermost being will flow rivers of living water. John 7:38
So as we appreciate water and rivers, let’s pray to God for His river of life to flow in us and through us.
Thank you God that your river of compassion’s never fail and that they are new every morning. We’re so grateful that we can begin each day and walking each day confident that you will fill our lives with blessings. Along with the writer of these words in Psalm 36 we affirm:
How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light. Psalm 36:7-9
We know that some things seem long incoming. We’re not very patient people and to wait it’s not exactly what we appreciate doing. Once again today we want to affirm our trust in You by reminding ourselves that you know the right time and you know the right way for matters to be handled in every situation. Today we want to stand with You and with humility surrender our limited understanding to Your much broader and much more complete understanding.
Not only do You want to refresh us but You even used the picture of a river to encourage us to know that we would not be overwhelmed when times of trouble and challenge are all around us.
When you pass through the waters, you said, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. Isaiah 43:2
We’re going to hold on to that today, with all the pressures and concerns that fill our days. One day at a time You will see us through.
God says, behold I will do something new, now it will spring forth. Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19
Do a new thing in us today we pray, a new thing in our circumstances, a new thing in this season of pandemic. We ask you to make a way where there seems to be no way. But in the meantime, we choose to live in your refreshing and to enjoy the river of your love. Amen
Recent Hope For Today
Giving Hope
Partners in Hope is supported wholly by our friends and community. We are thankful to everyone who partners with us to help bring hope to the discouraged, hurting, and hopeless.