Receiving God's Refreshing Lessons From The River

THE RIVER

I live just a few blocks from the Fraser River.  I can see the river from my living room window. Along with my friend Evelyn I enjoy many different walking trails along different areas of the river within a few minutes drive. There’s something about the sound and smells and view of the river that I find life-giving.

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 blessings 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

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 new season, even though parts of it seem like a wandering in the wilderness.  . We choose to live in your refreshing and to enjoy the river of your love each day. Amen