IN THE RIVER

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I yearn to be near water. Sometimes I wake up singing, “We come alive in the river”* or I find the words floating through my mind during the course of my day. On my annual treks to see family, the Oregon coast is tops on my list of places to visit. The ocean temperatures can be chilly, but that doesn’t stop me from putting my feet in the icy water. Back in this city of twelve million people, my favorite “get-away” is a magnificent park where there is a huge display of water fountains dancing to music. Today the park is buried in a few feet of snow, but I am hopeful that spring is just around the corner.

Some months ago, I traveled by train for twelve hours to attend a friend’s wedding. A map of the area showed a river near the center of town, but I didn’t know how far that might be from my hotel. Venturing out to do some exploring, I spotted the river and an adjoining park just two blocks away. Whenever I visit a new place, I look for signs of water.

Jesus said, “I am the Bread of life,” “I am the Door,” “I am the Light,” but He didn’t say, “I am the Water.” Instead He said, “…but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life” (John 4:14).  I don’t know why Jesus didn’t say, “I am the Water,” but I do know that Jesus is the only one who can satisfy our deep longings. Amen?

*Lyrics by Jesus Culture

THE WEDDING

Tears filled my eyes as I watched the smiling bride stand next to her groom. During the ten years that I have known her, I have never seen her so radiantly happy. The protective groom stood a foot taller. He tenderly brushed a wisp of hair out of her eyes as they gazed at each other. I watched, mesmerized. As the groom stroked her hand, they listened to the pastor’s words affirming their commitment to each other. I had the sense this union had already gone through some fires of testing and had come out strong. No doubt the testing will continue. I felt the Lord say to me, “This is a glimpse of Father God’s love and Jesus’ love for His bride.

Battered by the unhappy circumstances and disappointments of life, it is easy to fall into a trap, thinking such a love isn’t possible on this side of the Cross or worse yet – that God could never love us if He knew all the things we’ve done…or haven’t done.

It’s not too late. Jesus says, “I am waiting for you.” Jesus WANTS a relationship with me and with you. If you already know Him, He wants you to come closer.

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her…and in that day, says the Lord, you will call me, ‘My husband’” (Hosea 2:14, 16).

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