So Many Metaphors

The Scriptures are replete with metaphors, images of our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Not the least of these the picture of a stream, a healing, flowing, refreshing stream.

There are wells, but they represent man's effort with the digging. There are cisterns, shallow diggings with stagnate, stale water, good for the crops perhaps but not for refreshing the thirsty pilgrim.

But flowing, streams, bubbling up clean from a pure source, those are the choice streams, the best.

So too our Source of refreshing Living Water.

Then today, another word picture through a contemporary hymn which speaks to our constant thirst on our pilgrim journey, our longings that can only be satisfied in Him.

Will You hide me in Your shelter?

Will You shade me with Your wings?

When the heat of day consumes me

Let me drink from healing streams,

Drink from healing streams.

Will You lift my heavy burdens?

Will You pave my path with peace?

When the road is steep and stony,

Let me bathe in healing streams,

Bathe in healing streams.

When the joy of morning tarries,

When the waves of darkness roll,

Will You shine Your light of faithfulness

Giving courage to my soul

Courage to my soul?

Will You lead me to repentance?

Will You make temptations flee?

When I'm filled with condemnation

Will You show Your scars to me,

Show Your scars to me?

...Will You hide me in Your shelter?

Will You shade me with Your wings?

When the heat of day consumes me,

Let me drink from healing streams

.

(~Kelly Minter, John Hartley, Stuart Townend)

Photograph courtesy of a most beloved nephew, a picture of the Pudding River in Oregon's Willamette Valley.