Christian Writers Circle

Rivers of Living Water
by Judy Hitson

John 7:37b-39a NASB ……..37b Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'” 39a But this He said in reference to the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive;

The power of the Spirit with Rivers of Living Water are words the Lord confirmed to my heart to write. A visual contrast came to mind of a river with a constant flow of water and a Colorado lake with a standing body of water. This gave a perspective of the Spirit flow in and through us who believe in Jesus Christ.

How can this be except by the power of God in us?

Jesus said, “for apart from Me you can do nothing,” John 15:5c.

 Years ago longing to walk and live in the Spirit, John 15:5c was part of my Bible reading. I said, Jesus apart from You I can do nothing? How can I abide in You for a fruitful life in the Spirit? Many times I feel my words are void of Your Spirit. I come to You, my Lord and my God, for You also say,” I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:13)

From that time until now and beyond, I continue to learn of our vital need of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit is powerful.

A river needs a continuous flow of water for nourishment. Yet, in seasons of drought, there can be dry river beds.  As a river needs a continuous flow of water, we need a continuous flow of the Spirit from the river of life to nourish our spirit and soul. There can be spiritual seasons of drought. If we fail to come to Jesus and drink when we are thirsty, the river of life will not flow through us by His Spirit. 

 We need God’s word, His Spirit and fellowship in Christ. Think about the following lyrics from the hymn, Spring Up O Well by Phil Wickham:

“I’ve got a river of life flowing out of me
Makes the lame to walk and the blind to see
Opens prison doors, set the captives free…. “

These lyrics reveal how the river of living water can flow through us by the Spirit’s power resulting in  miracles.

Prayer: Lord, give us words of life to speak with those we encounter. May the rivers of living flow from our spirit to their spirit. We long for the evidence of Your miracle working power. In Jesus name. Amen.