What Kind of Water?

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Scripture:

Psa. 46:4        There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
        the holy habitation of the Most High.
5     God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
        God will help it when the morning dawns.
6     The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
        he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7     The LORD of hosts is with us;
        the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

Observation:

Often in the Scriptures we find various descriptions of water. Right from the beginning of creation we read about the waters which seemed a bit wild. Over and over we read about the storms of life, or the tempestuous seas. Rough waters often symbolize the world in which we live; wild, and out of control. There are times when we feel that we may be consumed by these rough waters, wondering if we will drown.

Now the Psalmist introduces us to a different kind of water. This is life-giving water in the form of the Holy Spirit which makes "glad the city of God." The Holy Spirit continually pours forth from God who dwells in the midst of his people. After a long and anxious night the morning arrives with the refreshing presence of God's Holy Spirit. The world may continue to shake and tremble, the waters of the sea remain rough, but God's steam gives us life day after day and reminds us of his holy presence. The water of God's presence flows through the rivers, streams and into the surrounding lands. We follow the river of his Spirit in daily provision for life and ministry in the kingdom.

Application:

Oceans, lakes, rivers and streams -- they all exist in our lives. We can choose to focus on one kind of water or another. If we simply look upon the wild waters of this world we will become frightened and discouraged. We may even give up hope and simply succumb to the waves, but this is not what God has promised his people. The promise of provision is found in these verses. God's water will not destroy -- but will bring life. If our focus is on drinking from the waters of  the Holy Spirit then we will be sustained in the midst of the difficulties. Not too little -- not too much -- but just enough strength and leading for every single day!

God's desire is not for us to be drown by the storms of this life but to be sustained by his living water. What kind of water are we drinking today?

Prayer:

Lord, your daily provision continually reveals your love for us. Thank you.  Amen.

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