Capturing the Power of Water
News of the earthquake in Japan and the following tsunami has covered the internet these past several days. The pictures have been overwhelming for me – a person who sits nestled comfortably in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, far from the path of any waves or threats from something so awesomely powerful.
The idea that a wave just as tall as a man could have such destructive forces seems incomprehensible. Trying to comprehend that some of the waves were as big as buildings takes more than my imagination wants to grasp. The videos of the waves and pictures of what was left behind did get me thinking.
The coastal areas of Alabama deal with hurricanes. Weather experts will tell you that the most dangerous part of the hurricane is the tidal surge – water.
The area where I live in northern Alabama deals with its fair share of tornados. Those can be powerful forces for sure, but the flash flooding – water – from storms kill more people than the tornados.
Water is a powerful force and can be dangerous.
Several years ago, the Tennessee Valley Authority (a branch of government) dammed up with Tennessee River. The force of the water pushing through that dam provides power to the community.
Vegetation lines the banks of the creek behind our house. Wildflowers, vines, bushes and trees cling to the edge of the creek to get the nourishment they need. I have never seen a place isolated from water teeming with such life.
Water is an amazing resource and can provide energy and life to those that understand it.
Proverbs 21:1
In the LORD’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.
John 3:5
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.
John 4:10
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
The Spring of Life is a powerful force and choosing to walk against it can bring heartbreak and disaster. Being unaware of the force that pushes through that Spring can be just as hazardous.
I went swimming with some friends in the Tennessee River one day. Having grown up on the lake that the dam creates, I was a strong swimmer. I jumped off the rock and when I came up I was several yards down from the spot where I had jumped. I swam at a diagonal to reach shore and told my friends we would probably want to wait for another day.
The rains from the previous night had added to the power of the River and that strength caught me off guard. The thing that saved me was the teachings I had received over the years about dealing with currents and strong waters. Without that teaching, I could have been in a bad situation very quick.
Scripture is that teaching that gives me the wisdom and knowledge to handle the unexpected situations that I find myself in now and then. That same scripture can also provide me with the understanding that it is NOT a good idea to jump in that rushing water no matter how good of a swimmer I might be.
The Spring of Life is an amazing blessing and bathing in its peace and joy will allow the Spring to overflow into every area of life.
Remember the tsunami several years back? The locals all knew that when the tide receded they needed to hit high ground. The knowledge of the water allowed them to live.
When Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, the locals (who had been living in the area for generations) knew that they needed to batten down and get somewhere high if they were to survive the waters. There was not worry or fret because they understood what was coming and how to prepare for the event.
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Seek wisdom and find knowledge. They are the keys to understanding the Spring of Life. Those keys allow you to unlock the energy, life and hope that are held within the Spring.
