River of Delights

“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
    People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
 They feast on the abundance of your house;
    you give them drink from your river of delights.
 For with you is the fountain of life;
    in your light we see light. (Psalm 36: 7 – 10).

Have you been overwhelmed by His extravagant love? Do you run for shelter when things are out of control under the shadow of His wings? Have you eaten your fill at His table? Have you taken a drink from His river of delights? Have you been noursihed by His fountain of life?

I confess this is sometimes more of a wish list than a reality. I’m still learning to love and to be loved by Him. I don’t always find refuge in Him, as I sometimes find it in tv shows and movies, or social media, sports, or a myriad of other things. As far as feasting on the abundance of His house I sometimes feel like a scared mouse who sneaks in and takes a few crumbs and then runs back out. I feel spiritually dehydrated at times looking for life in things other than Him. And sometimes I seem to prefer sulking in the darkness of my own mistakes rather than seeing in and through His light.

If you answered no to any or all of the questions above or just didn’t like your answer, know that it is alright. Life with Christ is a journey and it’s okay if you are just “nibbling” on God right now or even if you are “fasting” from God. As long as you know that there is more available to you, then just keep on walking. The problem lies when you start believing that all you’ve experienced with God up to this point or all you’ve seen or heard others experience is all there is.

His love is extravagant and steadfast and unfailing. There is more shelter than you can imagine in the shadow of His wings. You can be satisfied by the abundance of His house. There is more than enough to quench your thirst in His river of overflowing kindness. And there is so much more to see when you are illuminated by His light.

Here is a simple prayer for today:

“Lord forgive me for trying to find love in other people; overwhelm me by your extravagant love. I confess I have tried to find refuge in other things; lead me to the shelter in the shadow of your wings. Lord, I have looked to other sources to be satisfied; teach me to feast on the abundance of your house. Lord, I am thirsty; guide me down to your river of delights that I may drink and overflow with your life. I confess I have sought life in other people, places, and things; throw me into your fountain of life. Lord, I have been walking in darkness; Lord, shine your light that I may see.”