Photo by Clark Wilson on Unsplash
To understand ancient scriptures and even carry on a spiritual conversation with a friend, we should learn to use metaphors and symbols effectively. As we look at the moves of water, realizing its characteristics and its nature; the spiritual parallels will give us a deeper understanding.
“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:38 ESV).
During the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus promises that believers will have the life giving sustenance of the Spirit flowing from them like a river. Water, as the symbol of the Spirit expresses movement in the midst of the known, and the unknown, before us, continually bringing vitality to the life of the followers of Jesus. Do your best to be open to the Spirit’s movement, let the blessing of the Spirit’s flow bring grace in all your relationships.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” (Psalm 23:2 ESV).
God, as The Shepherd guides His people to water and peace, rest and quiet. These still waters represent calm, restoration, and renewal. God’s leadership encourages our reflection and refreshment.
“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).
The Psalmist declares God’s engagement in Creation and praises the Creator for literally refreshing the earth with literal water. In the same way, God cares for the earth and His people. We are reminded that the presence of God is the source of growth and spiritual success. Consider this spiritual discipline:
Submission: Water responds to the natural forces of temperature, gravity, air pressure, and thermodynamics. It freezes, melts, evaporates, rains, and snows. Are we willing to submit to the realities and truths before us, especially the authority of God in our lives? There is a grace in the spiritual discipline of submission relieving us of the anxiety of the unknown.