Jeffrey R. Anderson, author of ”The Nature Of Things - Navigating Everyday Life With Grace.” once remarked: "The river is one of my favourite metaphors, the symbol of the great flow of Life Itself. The river begins at Source, and returns to Source, unerringly.” Revelation 22:1 confirms: "And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb."
The river of life is said to represent God's life-giving presence. Psalm 46:4-5 reminds us: "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns."
Rivers follow a defined path dictated by the position of the banks on either side. These banks provide definitive guidance in the containment of the water and prevent deviation from the intended path. Rivers are often tidal that flow or ebb according to the time of day.
Tides are controlled by the moon. According to science, the moon creates a gravitational pull which, according to its position, creates a tidal stream. It is responsible for diverse phenomena which include the state of a tide at a particular time of day.
Although time itself is irreversible, it can, when combined with the tidewater, change the direction in which the river flows. Likewise with mankind. Tides maintain a consistency and management that provide a certain stability for the ever-changing water level, no matter in which direction it may be flowing. The level of water present will rise and fall depending on the state of the tide, but at two individual points in every day, the average and acceptable level will attain its norm and remain still. This is known as slack water.
When people change direction in life and choose a life not only of trust and faith with God but actively seeking Him, then they also become part of the river of life. Jesus is the primary source of that river of life. Deuteronomy 28:1-6 reminds us: “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.”
A clock displays time. If it is an accurate timepiece that has been set up correctly, then it will show the correct time of day for the region in which it is situated. A clock may be digital or analogue. Irrespective of the type of display on show, it performs an important function and that is primarily information or a message. It allows an individual to time-manage proposed future thoughts and actions. Andy Warhol, an American artist, film director and producer once remarked: “They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” James 4:13-15 confirms: "Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit" - yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."
Time is an important commodity that releases no one from its grasp. However, it has never been known to stand still. Without the progression of time, everything would remain static. We have little choice in the matter, it is there to stay whether we like it or not. Movement in any direction whether it be forward, backwards or sideways could not occur without it. However, time allows the ability to plan and structure our lives including our daily activities. As a general rule, it allows for periods of work, relaxation and sleep to recharge our bodily batteries. Good time management skills are important to all and can greatly increase the benefits in life if we utilise them efficiently.
Once time has past it can never be regained. It effectively becomes a lost enigma. Some people are known to kill time, others to waste it, but for the wise and prudent, the best use of all is to savour and utilize every moment to the best possible effect. This not only provides productivity but accomplishment. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, a French writer, poet, aristocrat and journalist once remarked: “It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.”
Time is precious to most. It can furnish a future and a goal, it can provide a past. However, as time waits for no man, it is better to look to the future rather than dwell on the past. The past has its rightful place and can provide many happy memories, but if we look to the future then we can also acquire hope. Ephesians 5:15-17 reminds us: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
Time started when God created the universe and has been in existence ever since. One person's perception of time may relate differently to another. Some regard time as the most important aspect of life, whereas others have no concept of it. Scientists refer to it as a progression of events and accept it as relating to the past, present and future. It forms an intricate part of life. Ecclesiastes 3:1-5 reminds us: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.”
Unlike a clock, time has no moving parts but is consistently moving forward. It remains present, just as God is. It could be compared to the river of life that constantly flows with little interruption. Just as night follows day and day follows night, it continues to flow unceasingly. Isaiah 43:16-19 states: “Thus says the Lord who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
People will often experience ups and downs, just as the water level in a river rises and falls. Life is full of uncertainties, nothing is guaranteed, problems arise without warning which may provoke temporary setbacks, but if we have faith in God, listen to His messages and follow information and guidance from the Bible, then nothing is insurmountable. As a result, our lives may well contain happiness, understanding and contentment. Isaiah 43:19 confirms: "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." If we follow God’s will, a feeling of stability and reassurance in the direction we are moving will often prevail. We will have a definitive purpose in life. Proverbs 16:1-2 states: “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.”
Amen.
