The daily grind had worn me thin when I went to the river for reprieve. There’s something about flowing water that opens my heart to encounter the Living Water I so desperately crave. My soul was thirsty, and I went with hopes that I might be filled.
Driving down the winding road that leads to the river, the towering conifers seemed to shroud me with welcoming arms. Billowy cumulous clouds drifted lazily overhead – gentle reminders to slow down and bask beneath cobalt skies. I pressed forward with the assurance that my husband and children were playing happily in the backyard, dinner simmered in the crock-pot, and the to-do list could wait for another day.
After parking in a vacant gravel lot at the riverside, I walked three miles upstream, following the gentle curves of the emerald water and offering short prayers about fleeting concerns. My body longed to keep in the rhythm of hurrying that drives most of my days, but I forced myself to linger long over trillium sprouting from black earth and skunk cabbage blanketing swampy bogs along the trail.
I finally settled on a flat rock overlooking the water, lying flat against its warmth and breathing in the scent of the river. It smelled alive, earthy, and like an old friend who offered no false pretenses. I considered my own life and the invitation to rest on this rock in all my uncensored vulnerability – no one to impress, no need to be anyone other than my weary self.
I rested unguarded beneath the tender gaze of my heavenly Father.
“Lord,” I prayed, “you know how desperately I crave refreshment today. You know that my pace has been too hurried, my focus has been too scattered, and my parenting has been characterized by too many sharp demands and impatient moments. I so often forget to enjoy my life, my children, and the quiet ministries to which you have called me.”
I waited in the silence, lapping waves caressing the shoreline in nature’s melody.
I waited for a remarkable revelation or an undeniable sense that God’s love was with me. While I know He loves me – while I know it was proven once and for all at the cross – I often find myself asking for a reminder. I want to feel something in my heart, drink it in like water, and encounter God in a new way.
When no tangible sense of His love and truth overtook me, I sat on the rock and pulled my worn Bible from my backpack. The bookmark led me to an unexpected book, and I read the words at the top of the page: I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12).
I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. (Job 23:12)
In the stillness, the Lord spoke to my heart through a soft impression, and a question came to mind: Do I really treasure these words more than my necessary food?
My mind traced past footsteps to the dozens of worldly comforts that seem to be my treasure far more often than the Word of God: snacks in the evenings, home decorating magazines during nap time, conversations with friends, Netflix, online house hunting, and more. Even in this moment, I found myself alone on a riverbank waiting for a fresh Word from the sky. But God has provided the richest nourishment and comfort I could ever imagine through the words of Scripture.
I was reminded that when I crave reprieve, refreshment, and fulfillment, I don’t need to wait for a sunny day along a river. I don’t need to seek to “hear” from God in a new way. He has given me all I need for life and godliness in the pages of the Bible.
I read for hours on the rock. The words breathed fresh life into my soul in a way that the river never could. I memorized psalms and lingered over words about the trees and sky.
I found myself captivated by the beauty of his Love Letter, and I left the river filled to the brim.
The invitation awaits each one of us. When we are weary and burdened, He invites us to draw near through His Word, and His promise is that He will meet us in that place.
Leave a Comment
Michele Morin says
It’s always good to read about a shared experience. My go-to words for the spiritual desert have been Psalm 63, a confession, really, that my need for God is greater than I have words for: “My soul thirsts for you; my flesh longs for you as in a dry and thirsty land where no water is . . ”
So thankful for the God who meets us in dry places, bringing us the gift of Himself.
Stacey Pardoe says
I agree, Michele. Psalm 63 has been a powerful force in the midst of my dry places as well!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Stacey,
Sometimes I go and go and go like you did until I become parched. Then, when I am bone dry and can’t go on, I open God’s Word and I gulp living water as if I can store it up somewhere. I’ve learned, albeit the hard way, that a more efficient way of operating and one that doesn’t leave me parched, is to spend daily time in His Word. He will give me just what I need for the day (no need to have to store up). It’s kind of like the manna from heaven. God gives us what we need for the day. Grace for the moment. His Truth for the day. I’m learning how it’s better to drink rather than to gulp. Your post was a beautiful reminder of this fact.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Leah says
“It’s better to drink than to gulp”. That was a good word for today!
Stacey Pardoe says
I find that I’m prone to gulp, but slow sips are refreshing for the soul!
Stacey Pardoe says
I was just thinking about the manna from heaven parallel a few days ago! Yes, returning for that daily manna is everything! Thanks for reading!
Maggie says
Thanks Stacey,
This message was literally refreshing to my soul.
Have a great day.
Stacey Pardoe says
I’m so glad these words blessed you, Maggie.
Tee says
The words Quiet Ministries struck my heart. My work is not loud and I sometimes feel its not important. Thank you for the gentle reminder. Its from HIM I will receive my applause.
Stacey Pardoe says
I have to remind myself of this all the time. These quiet ministries are holy work!
Lea Turner says
Thank you for the reminder to taste and see He is good every single day!
Stacey Pardoe says
I’m so glad these words reminded you to taste and see his goodness, Lea.
Brenda says
Such truth, Stacey. Before I turn on my computer and begin working each day, I open my Bible. And, lest you find me more righteous than I deserve, there are days when I would rather jump into the work than sit at His feet. Sigh. And, just like the faithful God that He is–He understands and meets me there anyway. Interesting how giving Him the first fruits of our day, in such an informal way, makes such a difference. (Or, whatever time of day.) We so often take for granted our freedom to carry, own, read–the Bible. Oh Lord, forgive us–and Spirit, I pray you’ll be with those who don’t hold such freedoms.
Stacey Pardoe says
I agree, Brenda! I used to read my Bible online, but I’ve even had to stop that practice, because I found myself too quickly hopping to check emails and get to work in the mornings!
Melissa says
This rang so true for me today! My schedule is full to the brim on a pretty regular basis and I’m often trying to juggle and shift to get more productive hours out of each day but I can become so depleted. I do what I can to pour out God’s light into others but I don’t take the time I need to fill myself with His word. I read His word every morning but I don’t immerse myself in the text in the same way I do other books, articles or posts. This is a beautiful and hard truth for the day. Thank you!
Stacey Pardoe says
I’m so glad these words resonated with you, Melissa!
Pearl Allard says
Stacey, thank you for the reminder to memorize scripture. I study it regularly but often neglect to memorize. Maybe memorizing is like letting our hearts marinate in truth? (Or could be, anyway.)
Stacey Pardoe says
I like the thought of marinating in the truth! I know my heart is desperate for this kind of soaking on a daily basis!
Barbara says
What a lovely reminder. I am a mountain and stream girl. Thank you for your words today. I need His Word more than my creature comforts. Your word “pictures” are like salve to my weary soul. Thank you for sharing!
Stacey Pardoe says
It’s always fun to connect with another mountain and stream girl! Getting to the woods with a Bible brings a kind of healing that I find nowhere else!
Barbara says
I agree, I always think of the verse in Is. 55:12 where the mountains will break out singing and the trees will clap their hands and I hope I get to see that some day. Been a mountain and stream girl for 57 years. I wish I could get there more often. My sister and I were just talking about how only mountain and stream lovers get “it” and how we cannot live without it.
Stacey Pardoe says
I love that Isaiah verse as well! So much fun meeting another wilderness lover here today!
Janie McReynolds says
Stacey, such a beautiful message this morning, I could feel and hear the river as you spoke. Loved your message. I great reminder to “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”. I too want to slow down and see Him, Hear Him, and know Him more. I like many need His strength! Thank you for sharing, and may the Lord continue to fill you to overflowing!
Stacey Pardoe says
Thanks for your encouragement and words of blessing, Janie! This reminder to slow down is one I need on a daily basis!
Doris says
Such an encouragement to know that when I need to hear His voice anytime, I can open His Word and hear from Him. Beautiful, sweet words.
Stacey Pardoe says
I so often make it more complicated than it really is. His Word is an open invitation! I’m so thankful for this!
Penny says
Stacey,
Your words were so peaceful, thank-you for sharing them.
Have a blessed day all,
Penny
Stacey Pardoe says
Thanks, Penny! It’s an honor to share my words with you, and I pray they draw you closer to the heart of the Lord.
C says
Thank you for sharing! What a great reminder of His precious word, how blessed are we to have it and read His word without fear!
Stacey Pardoe says
Thanks so much! I find that I often need to remind myself not to take the accessibility of his Word for granted!
Rebecca L Jones says
I never thought I ever be able to fast, partial ones are a lot easier now that I thought. His food is better, sometimes we have to give up the things we’re used to a movie or the phone, I gave up Pinterest time. Even the word of others, and thee are lots of good writers and book about faith and music, but sometimes we just need Him. Okay, not sometimes, all the time.
Stacey Pardoe says
Amen! It’s so easy to let “good” things drown out the One Best thing!
Mia says
I absolutely LOVE this…THANK YOU! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Stacey Pardoe says
You are so very welcome, Mia. I’m so glad these words blessed you!
Beth Williams says
Stacy,
This life can get busy. We seem to think we must be doing, going, etc. all the time. God commands us to a Sabbath rest. I’m doing a great Bible study by Priscilla Shirer “Breathe”. She explains that God created the Sabbath simply for us to rest & worship Him. That is why He freed the Israelits & made us. Yes. Take time daily to worship Almighty God.
Blessings 🙂
Stacey Pardoe says
Thanks, Beth! What a gift we find in Sabbath rest! The older I get, the more I appreciate this gift, and the more I find myself craving it, longing for it, and needing it!
Meghan says
Oh my goodness, this speaks to my soul. So beautiful as if I were there with you. Thank you for sharing.
Stacey Pardoe says
I’m so glad these words spoke to your soul, Meghan. I pray the Lord’s blessing over you as you seek his face today!