The River and The Sea

In Psalm 46 verse 4 it says, "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God".

"What is the river this verse is refering to?", I asked myself. I see this as the Church. Verse 5 goes on to say, "God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day."

Psalm 46 offers much encouragement. The Church, being in Christ, is a river whose streams make glad the city of God. By simply being in Christ we bless the Lord and bless His kingdom. We can have courage despite that "the waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging". Because "the Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress". (Ps 46:3,11)

With thoughts of how a body of water represents the Church I recalled something about a Sea. In Revelation 4:6 John writes, "Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal." Looking beyond the literal, again, to me the sea seems to be describing the Church. Think of a visit to an alpine lake, if you've had the privilege of experiencing such a visit. The water is crystal clear, there is no wind in the coolness of the air, the surface of the lake is like glass. It is completely peaceful.

When will we be at peace? Perhaps not until we are before the throne of God. Though we strive for peace on earth, true peace comes only when our hearts are bowed before the throne of God. Not just in heaven but also today.