Rivers flow toward the lowest point and create life-giving ecosystems, teaching us how spiritual humility leads to flourishing.
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38)
Jesus speaks of an internal source of living water that flows outward from believers. This supernatural current emerges from our connection to Christ, bubbling up from depths we cannot manufacture ourselves. Just as rivers nourish everything in their path, the Spirit’s flow through us brings life to others when we allow ourselves to be channels rather than reservoirs.
“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has understanding draws them out.” (Proverbs 20:5)
Like mysterious deep waters, our motivations remain beneath the surface. With self-awareness and spiritual discernment, understanding acts as a gentle bucket that draws these depths to light, where they can be examined. When we recognize the true currents moving beneath our actions, we gain freedom to redirect those flows toward God’s purposes rather than remaining unconscious of their power.
Spiritual Move: Examen—The Examen invites us to review our day with God, noticing where the living waters flowed freely and where they became dammed. Take 10 minutes before sleep to reflect on moments when you felt God’s presence moving through you and times when you resisted this flow.
Journaling Prompts:
1. Where do I sense “deep waters” within me that have yet to be drawn out and understood?
2. How might I position myself today as a channel for God’s living water rather than attempting to be its source?
Thought and Discussion Questions:
1. When have you experienced God’s “living water” flowing through you to others?
2. What tends to block the flow of God’s Spirit in your life?
3. How does the image of water flowing to the lowest point challenge our cultural views of success?
4. In what ways might our community become a river rather than a pond?