The river runs fast this time of year. It fascinates me.
Today, as I drove along the river, I decided to pull over into the road cutout and watch. The Spokane River, I believe, was once known as one of the wildest rivers of the west. I could believe it as I watched the rapids crashing over and around the rocks on its way to wherever it was rushing.
My eyes followed the water downstream as it bumped its way over the rocks and then turned out of my sight. The sound of the water was like an unrestrained melody. It’s music both soothed and inspired my soul as I stood on the bluff above. I could easily stay there and “soak” in the sights, smells, and sounds of the river for hours.
A little earlier, I saw four yellow rafts filled with people in helmets wielding their paddles. Their laughter rang out through the canyon. They would reach the place where I was watching the rapids soon.
What is it about us that likes to challenge the uncontrollable? The unmanageable? Why are we drawn to turbulence? Are we seeking adventure? A change from our everyday humdrum lives? Or are we seeking to be free? That our souls can soar above the everyday humdrum lives?
The river has dams on it here and there that control its ebb and flow. Spring runoff does create a more savage run than usual. In the summer, it is a much more calm and placid river.
The sense I had at the riverside today was the unbridled power of God. His power never ebbs and flows. His power is constant. Sometimes it frightens us because we cannot control or manage the power of God. But we were never meant to do that. We are merely asked to wait on Him and trust Him. To wait as those things we can’t control rush by us and then trust that He will manage His power for our good.
Today, I listened. I heard His assurances. He is for us. Always.
“I am going to send you what My Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” Luke 24:49 NIV.
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