A few nights ago I couldn’t sleep. And over the years I have learned that God often uses these sleepless nights to show me insights into his Word. At first, I refused to be bothered. Surely God knows I need rest. What could He show me now that He couldn’t show me in the morning. Eventually, His promptings succeeded, and I had an irresistible impression to read Psalm 46. So, I traded the comfort of my bed for the comfort of his Word.
Psalm 46 is a balm for the soul. It is for those who are weary and battered, overwhelmed by the suffering and misery that ravages creation. The opening lines call to attention that God is our refuge and strength. He is our very present help in times of trouble. Psalm 46 is an invitation for those who are exhausted to simply be still, knowing that God is their fortress, and He will be exalted.
Every line is rich with hope and promise. However, on this night, there was one line that stood out more than any of the others, verse 4.
“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.” (Psalm 46:4, ESV)
As I meditated on the river mentioned here, I was reminded of a teaching moment in Jesus’ life. It happened during one of the feasts in Jerusalem. During the Feast of Tabernacles, the priests would go to the pool of Siloam and fill up a pitcher of water. Then they would march in procession to the temple and pour out the water on the alter while reciting Isaiah 12:3, “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” They were enacting a moment from Israel’s history when God provide water from a rock during their wanderings in the wilderness.
John recounts what Jesus did. “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:37–38, ESV)
As I sat at the kitchen table with my Bible open, I was reminded of the grace that we are invited to drink deeply the waters of salvation, the living water that comes from Jesus.
Perhaps you are in a season of trial and tribulation. Maybe you are spent, weary, and feeling overwhelmed.
Know that God is your fortress. Be still and know that God will be exalted among the nations. And drink the waters that Jesus offers freely, the waters of hope and salvation.
Drink deeply.