Christ in us is our source of life and strength.

Day 152: Psalm 46: 4 – 5

            Psalm 46:4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. 5God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.

            O God, You have told us in Genesis 2:10 that a river flowed through the garden of Eden to water the garden. In King Hezekiah’s day, You told us about the tunnel that was built to protect the city’s water from invading forces (II kings 20:20). Ezekiel prophecies of water flowing from the temple (Ezekiel 47) and Revelation mentions the river that flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Lord God, You have told us this so that we would long for this living water that comes from knowing You! As pure clean water was the source of life in that desert land, so You, Lord Jesus, are our source of eternal life.

Lord Jesus, You promised that for those who would believe in You, out of them would flow rivers of living water (John 7:38). In the dry of the desert, to have your own continual source of water is life itself. You do not have to look for the spring or the oasis. It is inside you as you trust the saving kindness and strength of the Lord Jesus. Your living water, Jesus, is our life, our light, our eternal source of sustenance.

            Lord, this is the river that makes each of Your children delight to know You. Like a river glorious is God’s perfect peace, over all victorious in its rich increase. Perfect, yet it flows fuller every day. Perfect, yet it growth deeper all the way. Stayed upon Jehovah, our hearts are fully blessed, finding as You promised, perfect peace and rest.

            Lord, You make us glad with Your presence. Lord, there is none like You. Your very presence helps us, heals us, cuts away the sin, and applies the healing ointment that makes us whole and fulfills Your work in our hearts. To know You is to live. In Your presence is joy evermore. The river in the midst of the city of God is a picture of Your presence in the midst of Your people.

            Our churches need Your Holy Spirit to flow in and through us individually and collectively!  Lord God, You are in the midst of Your people. You do help us in our time of need. All praise be to Your name. Help us to praise and magnify Your name, King of kings and Lord of lords. In Jesus’ Name alone we pray! Amen!