John 7:37-39 Now on the last day, the great {day} of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'” But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet {given,} because Jesus was not yet glorified. NASB
Is your river flowing freely? As believers who know Jesus, we long to have a positive impact on our world so that others may desire to know Him as well. We want to be led by the Holy Spirit so that our lives are beacons, lights shining on a hill, drawing the people in our lives to the life we have found.
I have learned over the years that the frequency of my time with God has direct impact on how well the Spirit flows through me to others. Spending time in His presence keeps the river of life flowing. It’s like a spring flowing from a hillside. There is a spring at a state park near my home in Ohio that flows from a large watershed; the flow is greatest after rain, but because of the large area that feeds it, it does not run dry except in drought conditions.
For me, not spending enough time with God creates drought and famine in my soul that affects my behavior and mood. Quiet time alone with Him is critical to my wellbeing because His word is bread and His presence is refreshment. This weekend, I did not pursue that time as I need to on days I’m not working and Monday morning was tougher. I ignored a voice that needed my help thinking I imagined it when I could have been of real service if I’d slowed down and listened. I have recommitted to seeking His face daily in His word and in prayer and listening so that the flow of the Spirit is unhindered.
Again I ask, is your river flowing freely?
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