Published 8/23/2026 | Written 7/20/2026

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved the sound of flowing water. And today, as I sit by the New River, I am once again overcome with the peace of my surroundings. In a world that is so fast-paced, life’s precious moments that some call “God winks” often go unnoticed. My God-winks are the hummingbird that visits the deck overlooking the water, and the sound of the river as it continues to move along its path.

There are several places where Scripture either explicitly calls the Word of God “water” or uses water as a picture of God’s Word, cleansing, truth, and life.

This morning, I am sitting beside a river.

The water rushes over the rocks with a steady rhythm that no human composer could improve upon. A hummingbird darts from flower to flower with astonishing precision, while other birds fill the air with songs they never had to rehearse. Creation is doing exactly what its Creator designed it to do.

As I sat listening, my thoughts turned to God’s Word.

The Bible often compares the Word of God to water. Moses wrote, “Let my teaching drip as the rain” (Deuteronomy 32:2). Isaiah declared that God’s Word is like the rain that waters the earth and always accomplishes His purposes (Isaiah 55:10–11). Paul tells us that Christ sanctifies His church by “the washing of water with the word” (Ephesians 5:26).

Perhaps that is why I find such peace beside a river.

Just as this water never stops flowing, God’s truth never ceases. It keeps moving. It keeps refreshing. It keeps cleansing. It keeps giving life.

When life becomes noisy, I often discover that my greatest need is not another opinion or another podcast. I need to sit quietly and let God’s Word wash over my heart once again. The same God who sustains this river is faithful to sustain His children through His truth.

The hummingbird reminds me that even the smallest creatures are provided for. The birds remind me that praise is woven into creation itself. The river reminds me that God’s Word continues to flow, generation after generation, bringing life to everyone who drinks deeply from it.

Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37-38).

Today, I am thankful for the sound of the river — but even more thankful for the living water found in Christ and revealed through His Word.

May we never become so busy that we stop long enough to hear both.