Wherever the river of the Holy Spirit flows, there is abundant life. It’s true that the Holy Spirit gives to us a divine energy that never weakens. It’s true that we have all the power we could ever need, already within us, because of the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers us unto holiness, inspires sincere worship, cultivates love, leads into the depths of prayer, reveals the Word of God, and so much more.
John 7:38
Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, “Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.”
Indeed, the Holy Spirit is that river of life.
If ever there is a moment when you feel tired, wearied by the demands and responsibilities of life, you can come to the river. At the river of the Spirit, life grows. At the river of the Spirit, there is refreshing for your soul. This river, this mighty flow of God’s unstoppable power, rushes through the chaos and clears away the spiritual hindrances of life. Shame, anger, guilt, sin, fear, depression, and confusion are washed away by the streams of the Spirit.
But here’s the reality: many believers are not experiencing the life-giving effects of the Holy Spirit’s power simply because they are afraid to jump into the river. Some say to the river, “Flow just far enough to refresh me but not enough to take me. Holy Spirit, move in my life enough to bless me but not enough to challenge me.”
Whether it be for fear of loss of control or a hesitation about total abandonment, some simply sit along the river banks. Unsure of where the river might take them, they choose to remain dry. They can see the river. They may even be somewhat refreshed by the mist that hovers about the atmosphere. They may even sip from the river now and then. But one cannot experience the flow of the river until he jumps in.
It’s time to stop hesitating. It’s time to say, as the Psalmist said, “As the deer panteth for the waters, so my soul longer after thee!” It’s time to stop sipping from the river; it’s time to jump into the river.