The rivers water....

For the past couple days I have walked across the river during my lunch hour.  As I crossed today I reflected on the water and how it flows.  Have you ever taken time to really reflect on such a thing?  The river water runs in the opposite direction of the bridge.  This is much like life isn’t it?  We are on a path to wherever it is we are going that is headed in one direction but there is a current around us that is trying to yank us off course in a different direction.  Sometimes the currents strength can take us under and we battle to get above the water to take a breath.  At times the current is so strong it yanks your whole family under.  I remember being told that in order not to drown when you are pulled under water by the current you are told to hold your breath and relax until you come out of the tide then swim to the surface.  The reason behind that theory is that when you fight the current you go further under.  I find difficulty in fully buying into that theory.  I mean my belief is that you should always fight for what you want and love in life.  You should fight to live.  But maybe it’s not about giving up but giving in.   It’s trusting in the current to take you back to shore.  This is much like how we trust God to get us through rough circumstances. 

Because of Jesus Christ we have a living water that flows in our hearts that will keep us afloat when we get caught in the current.      

Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” John 7:38 (NLT)

Jesus died so that we can have the living water within us.  It doesn’t matter what type whirlwind current we find ourselves in, the living water will give us the strength to hold on until the current slows and we can find our breath again.  When we rely on the Holy Spirit all things are possible with the power of God. 

I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.  I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.  1 Corinthians 2:5 (NLT)

We have to trust in something in life so why not the power of God?  We will have ups and downs in life just like the river current, but the key is to not give up and trust in God to carry us through. Maintaining a positive outlook while in the tide of life is a challenge.  It takes bravery and courage.  When you are knocked down by the river current, have the courage to hold on and fight your way out of the tide by trusting in the Lord.  Don’t allow fear to control you or hold you under.  Remember the promises of God:

God Promises Eternal Life – 1 John 2:25, Isaiah 49:25

God Promises a New Heart and Forgiveness – Ezekiel 36:26, 1 John 1:9, Psalm 103:12

God Promises to Supply All Our Needs – Phil 4:19, Romans 8:32, Psalm 84:11

God Promises Deliverance from Fear – Psalm 91:4-6, Psalm 34:4

God Promises the End to Suffering and Pain – Revelations 21:4