Finding the Firm Path

The beach was abandoned, but it was evident many had been there ahead of me. A multitude of footprints dimpled the sun-warmed expanse, and as I wandered along it was impossible not to add my own. Ankle deep, the loose sand shifted with each step and made walking difficult, until I neared the water’s edge.

There the damp sand was firm and unblemished. The constant movement of waves had rinsed and rolled the grains into a well-packed pathway along the shoreline. Even the slight indentations created by my steps were quickly eliminated by the water, as if it were determined to keep the area closest to it from being marred.

It was impossible not to think of the words of Jeremiah 17:13b: “Lord, … those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the LORD, the spring of living water.” There are many biblical references to living water. God said he is “the spring of living water.” [Jeremiah 2:13] Jesus told the woman at the well if she had known of his gifts and asked him, he “would have given her living water.” [John 4:10] We’re told those who believe in him will find themselves filled and overflowing with living water. [John 7:38]

But first we have to place ourselves in a position where his mercy, grace and blessing can wash over us. We need to draw near so he can cleanse away the marks of our sin and failures and renew us from his eternal spring. The sand is only firm under our feet when we stay close to him as our continuous source of life-giving water.

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“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.” [Revelation 21:6b]

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9]

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carol J. Garvin is the wife of a retired Presbyterian pastor, mother of four and grandmother to several more. Her life has been a wonderful mixture of school teaching, church and family activities, owning a professional dog show business, and freelance writing. She and her husband live in a rural suburb of Vancouver, Canada.

Blog: http://careann.wordpress.com/
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/mBj1F7

Twitter: @caroljgarvin