A River Runs Through It

My guide was an interesting fellow named Dan K.  He was in his early fifties, with a deep tan and the weather-beaten features of a life-long outdoorsman.  Dan K. was a self-described “river nomad”, directing white water rafting trips all over the world. 

Dan K. enjoyed sharing his knowledge of white-water rafting, and he had a natural gift for clearly communicating his craft.  He taught me how to “read” a river, such as what waves to look for to ride on, or what danger signs to be observing.  Dan K. instinctively knew which way to pilot the river, just by reading the waves. 

I came away from the trip with the overpowering sense that I needed to make a few changes in my life, mainly spiritual ones.  I intensely desired to have the same intuitive understanding of God’s direction and purpose as Dan K. had of the many rivers he navigated. 

My spiritual quest is rooted in centuries of history.  The ancient Hebrews lived in desert country and to them, a river meant life itself.  In that culture, the deep spiritual yearnings found in a verse of Scripture like Psalm 42:1 that says, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God” would have been unmistakably understood. 

The Psalmist sought to paint a universal word picture that all human beings have a desperate internal need that rivals the way the life of a deer depends on finding water.  Even today, whether we realize it or not, feeding the soul is just as important as food and water are to the body. 

As far back as the creation of man we see that a river flowed through the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:10.)  What is even more interesting is that in the final chapter of the final book in the Bible, we see the creation of a “New Eden” – and a river runs through it (Revelation 22:1-2).

I enjoy white water rafting and communing with nature.  I like the thrill of riding the rapids.  But soon, the action is over, the adrenaline has worn off, and the only thing left is a memory.  In the aftermath of those adventures, I tend to reflect on the spiritual side of life.  I have since discovered that His grace carries me along like the waves of the rapids.  Even when I make a poor decision, God’s love is always there, as consistent as the flowing current. 

As our connection with God deepens, there is a river of grace that runs through our lives.  It doesn’t matter what we have thought, said, or done to this point; His grace will wash over us with waves of peace and satisfaction.   

 Jesus said, “whoever believes in me will have streams of living water flowing from within” (John 7:38).  At some point, it helps to come to the realization that our misdeeds are forgiven, and a new life is possible with a heart that is refreshed with the Living Water.

Many Blessings,

Pastor Mike Howard