The River of God

As I read Psalm 65 about the power and majesty of God, eight simple yet powerful words jumped off the page to me: “The river of God is full of water.” As we examine it a little more closely, perhaps these words will bring you comfort and assurance as well.

A river is a source of power. It provides irrigation. It flows. Sometimes, it overflows. It can be destructive. It’s a mode of transportation. It’s a place where we can become clean, and a place of refreshment and relaxation. The river of God is full of water.

And who do we know God to be? He is “the one Supreme Being; the creator and ruler of the universe.” He is all-powerful, all-knowing, omnipresent. And yet He is also personal, loving, and living within us. The river of God is full of water.

And what about the word “full”? It means containing all that can be held, complete, entire, ample, abundant. The river of God is full of water.

Lastly, water is an essential component of all organisms. It quenches our thirst. It cleanses us, washes us. It is essential to life. We can live without a lot of things, but we cannot live without water. The river of God is full of water.

Bible commentator Matthew Henry says the river of God “does not flow at random, but in the channel that God cuts out for it.” And that it “change(s) the face of nations more than the sun and rain change the face of nature.” Wow!

Sometimes God uses people to “carry His water” to you. Perhaps a child, spouse, friend, or even a stranger. Maybe His river flows to you through music or art, or through the beauty of His creation. Who or what has God used to be His river to you? Or maybe you need to consider who you can be the river of God to. Isn’t God using us, in some small way, to bring His water to His children?

You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it;
 the river of God is full of water; 
you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it. — Psalm 65:9, ESV

Prayer: Dear Father, help us drink from your river until we’re filled to overflowing, today and every day. Help us to be aware that your resources are inexhaustible. May we drink deeply to do and be all you’ve called us to. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Neal Joseph works as the Senior Vice President of International Partner Development at Compassion US.

Read all the One in Spirit devotionals.