“Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together.”
Psalm 98:8 ESV
At the beginning of this year, we carefully laid out our plans across the calendar. We wanted to be certain we’d have time to catch our breath between outings, family events, ministry conferences and projects, and longer-term getaways. The older we get, the more breath (aka recovery time) is needed between major activities.
The old Yiddish proverb, “Man plans, God laughs,” is so true. As is Robert Burns’ (Scottish poet) line from “To A Mouse,” The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Both quotes perfectly describe our year thus far.
Late Spring brought the passing of a much-loved relative, followed in early Summer by an out-of-state memorial. Months of plans were turned upside down, and rightly so – we wouldn’t have missed her memorial for the world.
The resulting schedule-shuffle forced back-to-back events and out-of-state venues. Instead of enjoying moments to breathe, recoup, and do laundry at a leisurely pace, we simultaneously inhaled and exhaled as we loaded the washer and dryer, and repacked still-warm clothes as they exited the dryer. At the same time, I was shuffling writing projects and deadlines, while Russ squeezed in the men’s events at church that he helped plan and coordinate. Busy. Hectic. Exhausting. Spirit-draining.
You’re familiar with times like this, aren’t you? We all go through these periods. The expression I heard growing up in Texas was, “You look like you’ve been ‘rode hard and put away wet!’” It’s a fitting expression for times of exhaustion.
This explains our state of body and mind, as we once again packed the car and headed out of state for our next “adventure.” An adventure that would have been canceled if the long-ago paid non-refundable deposit had not been graciously honored and transferred to a late summertime slot. Yay!
The drive from Michigan to West Virginia was filled with lane closures, major construction, and close calls because of crazy-impatient drivers.
When we left the highways to begin our trek to the North Fork River, which runs through the Allegheny Mountains, we breathed a premature sigh of relief.
The looping, slow-moving, cutback-filled mountain roads through the Allegheny Mountains were as taxing as the highways we left behind, but more stressful and unsettling because of the steep drop-offs strategically placed alongside the narrowest stretches.
Russ navigated the roadway beautifully while I sat in the passenger seat, eyes tightly closed, muscles clenched, stomach rolling. Oh yes, and praying – I bathed the Allegheny Mountain roads with my prayers.
Finally, we reached our destination.
It is beautiful. The river’s path at the base of the mountains, carved by God and chipped away by man, is truly gorgeous. The trees are just beginning to show colors and drift easily when the wind blows.
The “fly fishing resort” is a fisherman’s paradise. Did I mention I don’t fish…at all? But my sweet man does…avidly! He’s an excellent fisherman. And he’s been looking forward to this trip to learn about fly fishing for a very long time.
Full disclosure: I wasn’t overly excited by the prospect of staying in a cabin in the middle of nowhere. Cabins, at their very best, are not my thing. But I admit that our rustic cabin is lovely in a knotty-pine kind of way and offers every convenience and comfort we need.
Early this morning, I walked down to the river to watch Russ and his fly-fishing guide for a few minutes before I began writing. I snapped a few photos, too.
Watching the river tumble over large rocks and stones, an endless stream flowing steadily along its rugged path, passages of Scripture filled my mind. As I thought and prayed, the overwhelm of these past months and most recent days began to fade.
Rivers and other forms of water play numerous roles throughout Scripture, from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22.
In Genesis, God created the bodies of water and set their boundaries. From flood waters to water turned to blood to waters rolled back creating dry paths, water poured from rocks, water was withheld, drenching waterfall cover the land, water turned to wine, water was used for baptisms, water was drawn from wells, and more examples too numerous to list, all the way to Revelation Chapter 22:1, where John the Apostle saw “the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city.”
In Scripture, water is often used to help us better understand and appreciate the magnitude of God, and reveal His character to us.
Here are some thoughts on water.
Rescue: In times of trouble, when the deep and swirling waters of trial, pain, and grief threaten to overwhelm and pull us under, God is our Rescuer.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” Isaiah 43:2a ESV
Relief: When we cannot find our way, when hope is dwindling, and all seems lost, God reveals new hope, a new path, and a clearer view of what lies before us, so that we can boldly walk forward.
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 ESV
Restore: When our lives seem broken beyond repair and far from God because of our bad decisions, our willful determination to go our own way, and our intentional ignoring of God’s warning voice, God knows exactly where we are. He will find us, and He will restore the waste lands of our lives.
“He turns rivers into a desert, springs of water into thirsty ground.” Psalm 107:33 ESV
Reveals: When God has our attention, He will reveal more of Himself to us: His power, love, goodness, grace, and holiness are just the beginning.
“The LORD in majesty will be for us a place of broad rivers and streams, where no galley with oars can go, nor majestic ship can pass. For the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our lawgiver; the LORD is our king; He will save us.” Isaiah 33:21-22 ESV
Refresh: When our spiritual energy and enthusiasm lag, and we’re ready to give up, God refreshes and renews our hearts, minds, and spirit. He brings fresh life and new perspective, encouraging us to stay the course and follow Him.
“I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.” Isaiah 41:18 ESV
Refine: God made us and specifically chose us to bring glory to Him, to love Him, and to be recipients of His unending love. He refines us in the wilderness and desert moments of life to shape and form us into creatures who can return His love, serve Him well, and bring Him honor.
“I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.” Isaiah 43:20b-21 ESV
Rejoice: When we are filled with the living waters that Jesus gives, we can know His unending joy and peace. And in turn, our joy will overflow to others with the good news of Jesus Christ.
“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” John 7:38 ESV
Later this evening, after I post this message, my man returns, cleans up from his fishing expedition, and we finish dinner; we’ll linger outside to watch the river as it continues its journey.
Friend, are you filled to overflowing with the water of life that Jesus and His Holy Spirit have entrusted to you? Are you sharing His living waters with others in the way that you live your life?
May God’s rivers of living water flow freely from your heart, unhindered by the trials and troubles of daily life. And may the testimony of your life overflow with the message of everlasting life and joy in Jesus.