A River Runs Through Me

For two straight days last week, I sat amazed at the sights and sounds of Fall River in Estes Park, Colorado. This was the view from my cabin patio, and I was in awe. I wish I could include the roaring sound of the water with this picture, because, well, the whole scene put together is magnificent. Beyond so.

Above all, what struck me was the powerful rush of the water, the constant flow of the stream, and the refreshment it brought to all in its view. Powerful, constant refreshment. Never-ending flow. It is no small wonder, and it caused me to worship the Creator of this beauty.

I looked up the phrase “living water” in my Bible. It’s used several times, but this passage floated to the surface of my heart.

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds,
“Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink!
For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”
(When He said, “living water,” He was speaking of the Spirit,
who would be given to everyone believing in Him.)

John 7:37-39a


A River Runs Through Me
By LauraLee Shaw

A river runs through me—a living, powerful and life-giving river.
It is the Holy Spirit in me.

This living River fills me, stills me and spills out from me.
It has since the day I became a Christian.
From that day, I have never been the same.

This powerful River has swept over the rocks in my path, even those tossed or thrown there by others.
It has echoed loudly through the valley of my soul and rushed mightily from the mountaintop of my mind.
Like a waterfall, it has thrust me to places I thought I could never survive.
Yet, here I am, not only surviving, but thriving.

This life-giving water has restored me and refreshed so many others in the process.
Slowed only by the dam of my sin, it is ever-present, constantly offering forgiveness as I come and drink it.
It has quenched my thirst, filled my empty crevices and kept me on the narrow path of salvation.

So now, even now, this Holy Spirit runs through me.
As I admit apathy,
surrender self,
put aside pride,
spill my sin,
release regrets,
and
give way to this living Water,
It flows like a fountain.

It floods through my heart, my soul, my mind, my mouth.
And others will be refreshed as they wade in the puddles
Of this Living Stream flowing through me.

Do you believe that the Holy Spirit can do great, powerful and mighty things through you?

Through this refreshment, He can flow through you to soothe another person’s soul. Through this never-ending stream of life, He can love others unconditionally through you. Through this awesome power, He can strengthen you to face your trials without losing faith, hope and contentment along the way. If we believe, ‘rivers of living water will flow’ from our hearts. This is true of the salvation of our souls, and this is true of the life we live as Christians here on earth.

How long has it been since you asked Him to be your source for living? Do you truly believe that power and refreshment comes from Him? What stands in the way of your belief?

Well—it’s a deep subject (pun intended)—but it is something each of us need to dig through as we grow in our relationship with our Savior. I know I’ll be thinking about it for quite some time. Will you join me at the river?


(c) Copyright 2008 LauraLee Shaw