A river is persistent in overcoming all barriers. When moving water comes to an obstacle, it is blocked for but a time. Rivers will naturally create new pathways and move around obstructions. Erosion cuts into surrounding ground and carves out new beds, thus allowing water to move forward through valley, desert, wilderness, and mountaintop.
Jesus Christ is a living river and He is tenacious in His pursuit for us. Miraculously, after accepting Jesus as Lord, living waters live within us! This water of salvation fills our heart! And upon accepting Jesus as our Savior, inexpressible joy overflows and we can’t help but reach out to bless others.
If you believe in Jesus, you will find that God has developed and nourished in you mighty, rushing rivers of blessings for others. ~ Oswald Chambers
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38 (NKJV)
But what if my River of Life dries up? Can it be restored? How? What must I do?
The living waters of the Holy Spirit will never abandon us. It may be a trickle but it remains within us because we are children of the one true God. We may neglect it, ignore it, even deny it, but God remains faithful.
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.”
2 Timothy 2:13 (NIV)
There are a number of reasons for why we feel spiritually dry. Sometimes, our Lord tests us. He brings us to desert places in order to build up our faith. During such times we learn obedience and practice how to listen. Although it feels like God is distant, He remains close to our side. Consider how He provided for Elijah.
In 1 Kings 17, God commanded Elijah to leave Gilead and head Eastward toward a brook called Cherith. It would be his water supply and ravens would supernaturally provide food twice a day. Eventually, the brook dried up but only because God wanted Elijah to move on to a new location.
Spiritual dryness could be due to a neglect of the Word. Daily time in the Bible certainly helps to stir the river within our soul.
A focus on self can be a huge obstruction in the River of Life. If we have developed a habit of grumbling over life, putting our personal wants before the needs of others, we have work to do. We must move our focus from the want, need, or personal problem to the throne room of God, then our want, need, or problem will become less important. Our vision will clear and our ability to express compassion and empathy for others will grow.
Fellowship is also necessary if we want to keep the waters of salvation flowing. Believers are urged to cheer each other on. We were created with a need for relationships
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)
“ I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.” Ephesians 6:22 (NIV)
While you were sleeping, spiritual waters were gathered into pools. Why not take a cup to this fountain and share it with a thirsty soul? It can certainly help the blind to see and set some captives free.