Waterfalls

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.”
Psalm 42:1-2

I hear the roar of the waterfall
Calling to me through the sound,
“Let your worries fall away,”
As the waters come crashing down.

Worries have a way of
Keeping me at a standstill;
Unlike the waters of a fall
That move steadily downhill.

Come, Jesus, my Living Water,
And cleanse my troubled mind.
As He flushes out my worries,
I’m no longer sidelined.

I recently visited Niagara Falls. It’s been on my Bucket List since I was a child, so I was thrilled to finally be going there. Words cannot describe the beauty of these falls! They more than lived up to my expectations. I was in awe of both the sight and sound of the three falls. There is something about water that speaks to my soul, and waterfalls in particular.

As I marveled at the power of the water cascading over the edge, God began to speak to me. I could feel the mist, which was refreshing in the heat. Water cleanses and refreshes us, and it reminded me that Jesus provides living water to refresh and restore the soul. (He replied, “If you only knew what a wonderful gift God has for you, and who I am, you would ask Me for some living water!” John 4:10) This got me thinking about when my soul is troubled. I need only to come to Jesus for a refreshing drink, but instead I remain hot and bothered.

When the troubles of life come at me, it can stop me in my tracks. Sometimes, I call upon the Lord immediately. But, I must admit, that’s not always my first reaction. Worst case scenarios and what ifs overtake my mind, and I’m stuck. Instead of seeing a waterfall, I see a dam. But when I seek out godly friends and reach out to God, the waters begin to flow again. My soul is refreshed by the cleansing of His Word, a stream of living water. (“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” Psalm 42:1-2)

The Lord is always quick to give me peace of mind. He clears my head of all the falsehoods of what ifs, filling me instead with truths. The situation may not be resolved yet, but I’m able to move forward in it through God’s guidance. He restores my peace, faith, hope and joy. (With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:3)

As I left Niagara Falls, I was reminded of how often God speaks to me through nature. (“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.” Job 12:7-8) Nature has a way of grounding me. (No pun intended!) Walking through a forest, sitting in the grass, dipping my toes in the ocean, watching a sunset-all these experiences calm my soul and center my mind on what really matters instead of focusing on the nettles in my life. (O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom have You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great. Psalm 104:24-25) Friends, may you, too, find some time to refresh your soul in nature today.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your marvelous creation! The earth is full of Your glory in all that You’ve created! As I look at your creation, may I marvel in You, the creator of all things. When life gets difficult, I will turn to You to cleanse my mind and refresh my soul. Amen