MEDITATIONS FROM THE PSALMS

 

February 16, 2005 

Reading: Psalm 104

 

“He sends the springs into the valleys” Ps 104:10

 

What a glorious thought for the downcast soul! Most of the valleys I am called to traverse have lost any sign of the waters that once coursed their way through them; they are dry, very dry and reminiscent of the Valley of dry bones Ezekiel saw in his vision. There is no sustenance there, only thirst and weariness. However, my soul, the One who has redeemed you does not leave you long without moistening your tongue with His life giving water. Indeed, little time passes before you are conscious that He gives, not by a trickle, but by rivers of flowing waters.

The valley of Baca may tease you with its bitter water, but your Savior quenches your thirst with water that is sweet and refreshing because it comes directly from Him. “O taste and see that the Lord is good” cries the same one who penned our text. This is not just a dream but a reality.

Are not the depths in the valley of varying degrees? Some trials are greater than others and some problems appear as if there is no solution, but remember, God’s grace is free, not limited, and guaranteed.

 

The more of humility the more of grace; if in valleys some hollows are deeper than others the waters collect in them. —Martin Luther.

 

The water God provides in the River of Life is pure, refreshing, and sweet. It contains no bacteria that will make you ill; rather, the opposite is true—it has healing properties.  It purifies the impure, revives the fainting soul, and sweetens the bitter taste. Can this water be none other than our Savior Himself? As God provided water out of the Rock for His people in the wilderness, so He provides for us in the Rock of our Salvation.

 

Like a river glorious Is God’s perfect peace,

Over all victorious in its bright increase;

Perfect, yet it floweth fuller every day,

Perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way.

 

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,

Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;

Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,

Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.

 

Every joy or trial falleth from above,

Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love.

We may trust Him fully all for us to do;

They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.

Stayed upon Christ Jesus, hearts are fully blessed;

Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

                                                              Frances R. Havergal

 

 

“Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." John 4:14