Reflecting the Image

Scripture:

Psalm 105:41–42

41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out;
it flowed through the desert like a river.
42 For he remembered his holy promise
and Abraham, his servant. (NRSVUE)

Observation:

Praising God and remembering His great and powerful works, the psalmist is reminded of the Israelites’ time in the wilderness. It was there that God opened the rock. In an unlikely place, water gushed out and flowed through the desert like a river.

But then we are told why: God remembered.

He remembered His holy promise and Abraham, His servant. The covenant was sacred, and God remained faithful to what He had promised. In the middle of the wilderness, His faithfulness took the form of water flowing through the desert like a river.

Application:

Just think how far God’s covenantal provision reaches! All the way from Abraham to the children of Israel, and ultimately to us. Through Jesus, we are children of the new covenant and recipients of God’s gracious promise.

There are times in life when we feel as though we are trekking through a desert. Seasons can be hard and more trying than we would like. Days feel like desert journeys, and we may wonder whether the Lord is near. Troubles beat down on us like the hot sun at noonday, and the temptation to complain is very real.

Throughout the ages, God’s people have experienced these dry moments and have needed to be reminded of His holy promise. God does not leave us alone, spiritually, to wander in the desert. He has given us the Holy Spirit, whose life-giving presence is like a stream in the desert, quenching our thirst and bringing new life. Even in the deserts of life, there can be new creation. The River brings life wherever the water flows.

Today, the Spirit is still flowing. We are invited to step into the stream and participate in the life of the Spirit, even in the midst of our desert. And as that life flows into and through us, the dry places can begin to live again.

When you’re feeling dry, remember: God remembers His promises. The River is still flowing.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your refreshing Spirit who brings new life when I feel dry. Help me to step into Your stream and soak in all that You have for me. May Your life flow through me and bring life to others. Amen.