Refuge Three: The River
The Power of Going With The Flow.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells
David --Psalm 46:4
Of all the wonderful experiences of well being coming from God, that David enjoys, is the benefit of God's river. It is a visionary river that flows through his mind and heart. This life giving, revitalizing, refreshing vision that he is experiencing replaces David's fear with gladness. It does so because this river flows in such a way that it causes God's city to be glad. Naturally, or I should say supernaturally, just thinking about such a thing, gives David the same joy. It's really interesting to me to see how David's focusing on this flowing spiritual water also reminds him of something very powerful. The river, which streams through the city of God, is actually the place where The Most High Dwells. So not only is God our refuge, strength, present help, liberator from fear and giver of gladness, God dwells with us in this place.
Christ-Followers have a privilege greater than David's. We too have a river that Jesus told us about: In the Bible, He speaks of the "river of living water" which is the Holy Spirit. He describes it like a flowing stream that flows up from within us to eternal life. Eternal life means to share in God's life forever. We who have the Holy Spirit can drink deeply from this river, and just like God's city receives gladness, we can experience gladness and more. If we intentionally abide in Him and He in us, we will bear much fruit that will remain.
What kind of fruit? It's one great Spiritual fruit -- from the Holy Spirit -- that has many parts. These parts begin with the core of Love. Then joy grows out of this spiritual core of the fruit, as do all the other parts: Peace also develops, and if we allow The Holy Spirit to flow, long suffering (even temperament) will begin to take over our lives. A gentleness can grow up from within. Goodness or Godliness begins to form. Integrity takes root followed by self control. It takes time, but as we die to ourselves, allow the river to flow and Christ to be formed in us, the season will arrive. It will be an experience that can, in time, make us truly glad. Why does it make us glad? It does so because, as this fruit forms within us, the very Character of God comes alive from inside.
One more thing that is advantageous for our generation: The Holy Spirit dwelling in us is the same as us being the place where "The Most High Dwells." You see, genuine Christ-Followers are absolutely sure that we can testify to the fact that each Christ-Follower body serves as "The Temple of The Holy Spirit." So, we do not have to go looking for God or His Kingdom. We don't have to wander in the wilderness to find the refuge. Jesus made it clear, "The Kingdom of God is in your midst." Or to say that another way, "The Kingdom of God is within us."
Let me challenge you to experience "The Refuge" today. Spend some time just letting the "river" flow through you. Turn off the TV, Twitter, FaceBook, Radio, Cell, Ipod, Ipad, Podcast and or MP3, and let God's Holy-Spirit flow in you just for a while. Go with God's flow, as God's Heavenly, Holy River flows within you and in you. Whatever, pain, suffering, brokenness, challenge, storm or fear you are facing. Let go and let God be your experience and refuge. I think God's life giving river will cause you to be glad.
God Bless You,
What kind of fruit? It's one great Spiritual fruit -- from the Holy Spirit -- that has many parts. These parts begin with the core of Love. Then joy grows out of this spiritual core of the fruit, as do all the other parts: Peace also develops, and if we allow The Holy Spirit to flow, long suffering (even temperament) will begin to take over our lives. A gentleness can grow up from within. Goodness or Godliness begins to form. Integrity takes root followed by self control. It takes time, but as we die to ourselves, allow the river to flow and Christ to be formed in us, the season will arrive. It will be an experience that can, in time, make us truly glad. Why does it make us glad? It does so because, as this fruit forms within us, the very Character of God comes alive from inside.
One more thing that is advantageous for our generation: The Holy Spirit dwelling in us is the same as us being the place where "The Most High Dwells." You see, genuine Christ-Followers are absolutely sure that we can testify to the fact that each Christ-Follower body serves as "The Temple of The Holy Spirit." So, we do not have to go looking for God or His Kingdom. We don't have to wander in the wilderness to find the refuge. Jesus made it clear, "The Kingdom of God is in your midst." Or to say that another way, "The Kingdom of God is within us."
Let me challenge you to experience "The Refuge" today. Spend some time just letting the "river" flow through you. Turn off the TV, Twitter, FaceBook, Radio, Cell, Ipod, Ipad, Podcast and or MP3, and let God's Holy-Spirit flow in you just for a while. Go with God's flow, as God's Heavenly, Holy River flows within you and in you. Whatever, pain, suffering, brokenness, challenge, storm or fear you are facing. Let go and let God be your experience and refuge. I think God's life giving river will cause you to be glad.
God Bless You,
SoJourner
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