Thursday, May 22, 2008

Wade in the Water



The book of Revelation describes a River of the Water of Life that flows from the throne of God and the Lamb. Richard Rohr calls water 'a symbol of God's constant and gracious invitation to union with Him.' Its an invitation into something more, something larger than ourselves. To step across a boundary into a new experience - Ezekiel 47:1-12 has the Temple (symbolic of God's swelling place on earth) transforming into a mighty deep river. The presence of God no longer contained within any boundaries we place on Him but pouring forth into the world giving nourishment to all.

A lot of the medieval mystics use the language of the River when they describe their experiences of God as flowing out toward them and through them. God longs for us to experience 'the River of His Presence'. I remember being in a prayer time once when I was in my 'Charismatic Phase' (blush) that I had an experience of the Presence of God that felt like standing under a giant waterfall.

I believe all of us, no matter what our Denomination, Creed or belief system (formalized or not) spend every moment of our lives in the River of God. God is constantly pouring Himself into our lives not because of who we are but because of who He is.

How are you experiencing God's river at this moment in your life?

How deep is the water around you? Ankles? Waist? Are you submerged?

Is the water calm? - are you experiencing 'Quiet Waters'? or are you in the 'Storm of God's Spirit'? Reflect without judgement - it may be that the Storm is God's gift to You at this moment in your life.

Do you feel as if you are moving with or against the current?

In what parts of your life are you aware of the 'river' and where are you oblivious?

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