Living Water

Source of the River Derwent

This little stream, high up in the hills of the Derbyshire Peak District, is the source of the River Derwent. It flows between vibrant mossy banks and is a delight to the eye - a picture of new life, refreshment and peace. I ascended a long dusty path, on a very hot day, to get there and was so thirsty on arrival, that I just sank my head into the cool pure water and drank my fill. Then refreshed, I returned to where the river eventually flows into the Derwent Reservoirs which bring life to many thousands of people.

There may be times in our life when we feel we are stagnating and life seems a bit dull. The solution? We need to return to the Source and drink and keep drinking until we feel we are coming alive again. His ‘living water’ is invigorating, healing, strengthening and reaches those parts nothing else can. It is life-changing, because He becomes our life.

“the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14

The Glory of God

Looe Island sunset, Cornwall

Driving along the coast road the other evening, I stopped to look across to Looe Island. It had been a dull wet day, but the sky was clearing. I watched as the setting sun appeared from behind a large black cloud and was spellbound by the magnificent radiance that transformed the whole scene. I could have stayed there all evening.

We will never see the full Glory of God until we are in heaven, but because of Jesus we can be filled with the Holy Spirit and gaze upon His beauty and majesty. When we make ‘contact’ in abiding in His presence we should not rush away, but tarry, because He transforms our lives. I have found that especially in trying times, when all seems black, we may be given special glimpses of His Glory. He knows what we need.

“The heavens declare the glory of God” Psalm 19:1

Thriving in Hostile Conditions

Cliffside flowers, Guernsey

I don’t know the correct name for these beautiful flowers, but I call them Livingston Daisies. I discovered them on the cliffs in Guernsey and just like the sea pinks - or thrift - in Cornwall they seem to thrive despite the extremely hostile conditions. They cling to the rocky cliffs and flower every year, despite the seeming lack of soil and being battered by the salt-laden storms.

When the going gets tough and even threatening and it feels like we are hanging on by a thread, let go and cling to Jesus. When we put our whole trust in Him, He will nourish us with His love, often in surprising ways, no matter how hard and rocky the circumstances. He will never ever let us down.

“O my dove, in the clefts of the rock - let me see your face” Song of Songs 2:14

Rest for My Soul

Spring Green at Golitha Falls, Cornwall

This is one of my favourite beauty spots in Cornwall. Especially so in spring, when everywhere is clothed in new green with bluebells in the background and the young River Fowey running free and clear. It’s such a peaceful but lively place where it seems that God is just inviting us to tarry with Him.

When we decide to go God’s way for us and yield to Him we experience peace beyond measure. Sometimes God, who knows us so well, allows circumstances in our lives that we wouldn’t choose, but when we yield to Him in this and rest in His presence we find healing and refreshment for our soul. We become more alive.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” Psalm 23:2-3

Threatening Storms

Stormy Seas on our Beach

Our beach is natural and unspoiled. I like it that way. No super-clean resort beach for me. I love watching the tide hiss across the shingle or come crashing on the rocks. No two days are the same. There’s a tremendous power in the waves that often pound the beach mercilessly in a storm. One wild night a large section of cliff collapsed, but the next day was still and calm as if nothing had happened.

When, out of the blue, we receive bad news we may feel threatened, our heart pounds and it seems our world could fall apart. But when we cling to Jesus and shelter under His protection, calm begins to descend even though the storm still rages outside. He carries us through, He will never ever let us down. When the storm is over things may not be the same, but peace reigns in our heart.

“He stilled the storm to a whisper.” Psalm 107:29