Thursday, July 17, 2008

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

11 friends shared a comment:

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

That is so awesome. You write so eloquently. I love the diversity of gifts that the Lord has given each of us. I get so much from the blogs I read. All in a different way. When I started my blog I thought I could be something I'm not.......serious! I was trying to do strictly devotions and while they were spirit led, I just couldn't be serious in a constant way.....just wasn't going to happen. So eventually the humor and goofy person that I am started to show through and that's really what my blog ended up being. A mix of stuff but foremost to bring a smile to someone's face. Your blog is awesome and I stop by everyday to see what inspiration you have been led to write that day. Keep up the good work.
Blessings,
Kim

Julie Arduini said...

Laura!!!
This might be my favorite piece of your writing yet, and I have loved everything so far.

I have a friend who has waterfalls in her back view and she is often overlooked by man for things and it's to the point she's ok and laughs. One day while listening to the waterfalls on her deck the Holy Spirit shared with her that what He gave was even better---the waterfalls sounded like the applause of heaven. What a sweet sound, I can picture your water scene in that context as well.

Keep writing, my friend!

Melanie @ This Ain't New York said...

Stopping by to say thank you for sharing your story on the Metamorphosis post. Praise God that you are set free! I hope your comment will encouage someone out there to give it all over to Him.

Julie said...

That was absolutely beautiful! Your heart's words are totally amazing... I see His River all over those words.

Thanks for sharing!

Julie

I LOVE Estes Park.

Sita said...

Wow...'I LOVE that pic...water just happens to be that part of creation that draws me instantly into the presence of my Creator. And this piece with its metaphorical brilliance wonderfully describes our journey of faith..thank you!

Meadow said...

OK.. you totally made me cry.. thanks for the great reminder, encouragement and conviction.

Lelia Chealey said...

Wow! What a beautiful picture you painted! God is SO good and when He's #1in our lives the good streams through our words and actions. Beautifully written. My blog friend Sita from Canada e-mailed me the link to this post. She's right, it is a blessing.

Josh said...

I believe that everything God created (the mountains, rivers, etc...) all are representative of him and his power and might. I think that is why it is so easy to picture the Holy Spirit rushing through us like a mighty river. Oh how I want him to fill me up so full of his Spirit that there will be no room left for any of me.

Your devotional posts are such a blessing to me. Thank you for heeding his call and for writing for Him. :)

Susan said...

Wow, this was just incredible!!!

Thanks for your kind comment the other day.

So nice to meet you Laura♥

Susan said...

Wow, this was just incredible!!!

Thanks for your kind comment the other day.

So nice to meet you Laura♥

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Beautiful addition to my thoughts this week. I'm guilty of forgetting that I have this awesome Powerful available to me 24/7. I've been guilty as of late.

That picture takes me to places. We're headed to the mountains this week; I want to be able to find a spot just like this when I get there.

peace~elaine