Well….it’s definitely winter here in the Northeast already. It’s a tad bit early if you ask me. There are leaves on my trees and snow on the ground, and oh yea. We set a new record low temp today.
Usually, it’s January or February before I start dreaming about going to Hawaii. What’s not to love about getting on a plane in -10 degree temps and getting off a plane to a balmy 80 degrees in paradise?
I’ve done it before, and believe you me, there’s nothing quite like it. Being able to thaw out in that change of scenery will energize me and give me just the boost I need to make it through the next couple months (or in this case the next 6 months) of cold.
But this year, I’m dreaming about it early. I could really use that change of scenery now, and it’s only been cold and snowy for a week. I could really use a change of scenery from the cold and snow and stress and chaos and busy-ness of life. Who’s with me?
Just like we can use a change of scenery physically, we can also need a change of scenery emotionally. Mentally. Spiritually. Especially if we’ve been sick for a long time. Especially if we’ve been standing in faith for something for a long time.
Especially when that door won’t open. Or that mountain won’t move. Or that sea just won’t part and swallow up our enemies.
I like to be around water. It’s my favorite scenery. The ocean is my absolute favorite, but I’ll take a lake or river or stream or creek. Hey, I’ll even settle for a fountain if I’m desperate. There’s just something so soothing about water.
We may not always be able to get to Hawaii or a river or stream or fountain. A physical change of scenery isn’t always possible, but there’s a river I can go to anytime I want. And it’s as easy as, “Come to Me.”
If any of you is thirsty, come to Me and drink. If you believe in Me, the Hebrew Scriptures say that rivers of living water will flow from within you. Jesus was referring to the realities of life in the Spirit made available to everyone who believes in Him. But the Spirit had not yet arrived because Jesus had not been glorified. (John 7:37-39)
My heavenly guide brought me to the river of pure living waters, shimmering as brilliantly as crystal. It flowed out from the throne of God and of the Lamb. (Revelation 22:1)
In Ezekiel 47, it tells us that river brings life wherever it flows. It brings healing. It makes salty water fresh. Impure things pure.
And going to that river will give us just the boost we need to make it through “winter.” To make it through till faith becomes sight.
Maybe you’re thinking, “I’ve been discouraged and I’m tired of standing. I don’t see a way out, and I just want to quit. If God were going to help me, He’d have done it by now. I’m out.”
But once you drink from that river, you’ll say, “No! Greater is He who is in me. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is quickening my mortal body. I may not understand, but I trust Him. God is at work right now in a realm I can’t see and breakthrough is coming.”
Taking time to change your scenery, to sit by the river of life, will strengthen you. It will bring joy again. It will bring peace again. It will renew your trust.
And you don’t have to be all alone in a dark room for hours on end to drink of the river of life. It’s as easy as changing your focus from your problem to Him. From the chaos to Him. Focusing on the realities of heaven.
It’s a whisper in your cubicle at work, “Lord, I know you’re here. I need You. I come to Your river. You have an answer. Help.”
Or in your car with your kids screaming in the background.
Or at the grocery store. Or the hospital. Or wherever you are.
It’s as easy as being aware He is with you. The river of life is in you. You’re not alone.
I’m going to change my scenery today and sit by the river and take a nice long drink. How about you?