A REFRESHING RIVER

"There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High" (Psalm 46:4). The people of God are not always joyful, even though, ideally speaking, they should be (Phil 4:4). We must not, however, allow ourselves to become naive concerning the good fight of faith. There are times when the strongest of believers are "sorrowful" (2 Cor 6:10), have "fears within" (2 Cor 7:5), and are even "cast down" (2 Cor 4:9). Some of God's people experience the loss of the possessions (Heb 10:34), while others pass through difficult periods of testing (1 Pet 1:6). Indeed, "in the world, you shall have tribulation" (John 16:33). It is in this context that our verse has special significance. "There is a river" of refreshment that is not apparent to the eye. It is beyond vision or any other natural sense--but it is real. It is an appointed river; one God has provided for His people. It has the capacity to rejoice the heart, and cause gladness to dominate the people of God. It lifts the vision, strengthens the heart, and clarifies the nature of our salvation. It issues from the throne of God, and passes through the valley of the shadow of death, the furnace of affliction, and the wilderness of trial. The people of God have been refreshed by this river while in prison (Acts 16:25), when exiled on an island (Rom 1:10), and after being vigorously opposed by rulers (Acts 4:33). This river is provided by a God, Who comforts those who are "cast down" (2 Cor 7:6). It has the power to bring recovery from debilitating discouragement and seeming failure. It can refresh those who have been opposed and hurt by associates. Learn, O child of God, to drink from the streams of this river. It has been supplied for you, and will provide resources needed to sustain you in difficult times. Drink from it often, and drink from it abundantly.

-- MONDAY: PRAYING --