You've likely heard the saying, "go with the flow." As a general rule this is bad advice, because it implies blindly following the lead of the majority. But, there is a biblical sense in which it is the best possible course of action.
"God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold." (Psalm 46:1-7)
All of the water imagery in these verses bring to mind the powerful forces of tsunamis. Most, if not all of us, are familiar with the recent scenes of tsunami wave destruction in Japan. I've also been reading recently of the most powerful tsunami ever to strike the United States, in California in 1964 following a great earthquake in Alaska.
The constant uproar of humanity and the nations of the world is like turbulent sea waters, and this often is the source of trouble for the people of God. How many times have His innocent children been victims of revolutions and upheaval in the land they live in? These times of revolution and change are like roaring and foaming waters. But, "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God." We do well to flow with this river amidst the rapids and waterfalls of ever-changing human government and rule.
I picture the river of God as a peaceful current in which we can easily enjoy the calming sensation of floating along in safety. And perhaps this scene serves as backdrop from what we read later in this Psalm: "Cease striving and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). "Cease" can also be translated, "Let go, relax". Cease trying to "paddle your boat" against the current of God as you try to follow the tumultuous current of humanity, and instead "go with the flow" of God's current, and truly know Him amidst that tranquility.
There are two currents than run through life: the roaring, foaming waters of humanity, and the tranquil, steady current of Creator God. Choose which you will travel, because you definitely cannot travel both. In choosing the river of God, you have the greatest privilege of all in experiencing peace and tranquility, and the true knowledge of God. May the journey today be peaceful and enriching, as you come to know your Father better.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
"God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold." (Psalm 46:1-7)
All of the water imagery in these verses bring to mind the powerful forces of tsunamis. Most, if not all of us, are familiar with the recent scenes of tsunami wave destruction in Japan. I've also been reading recently of the most powerful tsunami ever to strike the United States, in California in 1964 following a great earthquake in Alaska.
The constant uproar of humanity and the nations of the world is like turbulent sea waters, and this often is the source of trouble for the people of God. How many times have His innocent children been victims of revolutions and upheaval in the land they live in? These times of revolution and change are like roaring and foaming waters. But, "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God." We do well to flow with this river amidst the rapids and waterfalls of ever-changing human government and rule.
I picture the river of God as a peaceful current in which we can easily enjoy the calming sensation of floating along in safety. And perhaps this scene serves as backdrop from what we read later in this Psalm: "Cease striving and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). "Cease" can also be translated, "Let go, relax". Cease trying to "paddle your boat" against the current of God as you try to follow the tumultuous current of humanity, and instead "go with the flow" of God's current, and truly know Him amidst that tranquility.
There are two currents than run through life: the roaring, foaming waters of humanity, and the tranquil, steady current of Creator God. Choose which you will travel, because you definitely cannot travel both. In choosing the river of God, you have the greatest privilege of all in experiencing peace and tranquility, and the true knowledge of God. May the journey today be peaceful and enriching, as you come to know your Father better.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
posted by steve @ 8:58 AM
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