Down by the Riverside

This summer I am preaching a series called “Down by the Riverside.”  I am moving away from the comfort of the lectionary and sharing Biblical stories that center around water. Sacred events are shared around lakes, rivers, streams, and wells.  Every experience demonstrates the power of God, and how the Spirit is revealed to humanity.  Through these holy stories, we capture brief images of the wonder of our Creator, as we are transformed and claimed in the name of our Most-High God.

Water quenches not only our physical thirst but our spiritual needs as well.  Our journey takes us to places to be refreshed and filled with the goodness of God.  We are made whole by drinking from the living fountain of Divine redemption.  All we have to do is allow ourselves to stop and drink this healing water.

I must admit, that continuing to stop at the right watering whole is not an easy thing to do sometimes.  I sometimes get carried away and forget about the one place that offers me restoration.  My hope is to surrender my worries and concerns and allow the One, who brings me peace, to also sustain me.  Some days are easier than others.

So, the challenge that I have as I travel “Down by the Riverside” is to surrender my soul to God and be assured that all of the rest will be taken care of.  And when I come to the living waters, I remember whose I am.  This comforts me and gives me rest beyond my imagination.  Praise be to God, who leads us beside quiet waters and restores our soul.