The River of God

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. —Psalm 46:4

In Psalm 46:2–3, we saw waters that were menacing, destructive, and threatening. Now in verse 4, we have water with a very different effect.

The people of God here are likened to a city, which was being surrounded and threatened by adversaries. Like the roaring waters of a tsunami, the forces of evil were threatening to overwhelm them. Yet they were able to remain calm.

These people have every reason to feel fearful, disheartened, sad, and maybe even mad. But the river of God’s presence and His grace flowing in and among His people makes them glad. Even when surrounded and threatened by enemies, the city of God has a never-failing source of sustenance flowing from it. It will never run dry.

The people of God cannot be cut off from His supply. Their needs will be met. They’re assured of that because they know in whom they have believed and in whom they have trusted, and so there’s no need to give in to fear or despair.