Stagnant in the River

Stagnant in the River* (C) 2021 Mel Tavares

Have you noticed that water in the river becomes stagnant as the summer season progresses? The reason is simple. As the current and water flow decrease, certain sections get very little movement. Algae begin to build up and it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Fish love to hide under the riverbank, unaware they become easy prey for the heron or the snapping turtle. The water begins to smell and becomes opposite the beauty of a flowing river tumbling over the rocks.

We can become stagnant in life and begin to give off a foul odor and appearance if we step out of the flow of the Holy Spirit and the life God has intended for us. At first, it may not be obvious we are beginning to stagnate. Careful consideration will cause us to realize things are more cloudy than usual. Cloudiness will turn to confusion and we will find answers don’t come easily.

Worse yet, left unattended our stagnation will turn to negative attitudes, depression, and poor decisions. Direction is lacking. We are lacking the flow of knowledge and wisdom that a life lived for God brings to us. We become a stench to God, rather than a blessing. Isaiah 65:5(b) (NLT) says “These people become a stench to my nostrils, an acrid smell that never goes away.”

Just as rains bring refreshment and the stagnant water begins to flow in the river again, so it is that we can spend time with God, reading His Word and the flow will begin again. The more we connect with God, the more the rivers of Living Water will flow through us. John 7:38 (NASB) ”Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.”

We are designed to be filled with life that we may be active and moving, doing those things God has created us to do. As the rivers (of God) flow through us, we will manifest the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and be effective and successful in our endeavors.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for rivers of living water to begin to flow through me again. Forgive me for allowing my life to become stagnant. My desire is for the waters to flow, that I may be used to bring life to others downstream.

*Except from 2021 release "Lessons From The River"

Mel is an award-winning author of transformative non-fiction books, articles, and blogs. She is a contributing author to several books, and also ghost writes. Mel loves coaching and equipping writers, founded a local ACW Chapter, and teaches at Writers Conferences. If you can't find her anywhere else check the rivers, lakes, and beaches!

Website: https://www.drmeltavares.com/