Daily Devotion - Proverbs 4:23 - Finding the Source

I recently enjoyed a trip to Montana. As we drove through a few states, we found ourselves traveling northwest along the Missouri River, almost following the path of Lewis & Clark over two centuries ago. It was quite amazing to see that a wide, powerful, dangerous and usually dirty body of water such as the Missouri could be so clear and peaceful, at times only as narrow as a large creek. Then I remembered that even large rivers have a tiny source somewhere, and that if I were to dam it up where it started, eventually it would go away.

Our hearts are a lot like the rivers. In fact, Scripture compares our lives to streams and springs countless times. Solomon understood this idea deeply.

[Proverbs 4:23 ESV] 23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

King Solomon knew from experience that all of our intentions, desires, dreams and aspirations come from our heart and flow like water into all areas of our life. So then, we must keep it with vigilance, inspecting it to see the source of our life springs.

[Jeremiah 17:9 ESV] 9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

The prophet Jeremiah understood that the sinful, human heart could produce nothing good apart from God. Lust, murder, deceit, envy, strife and idolatry all begin in the wicked recesses of our God-hating soul and are the main source of all issues in this world. If this, then, is the source of our lives, we are to be diligent not to let it flow out to others; we should even attempt to dam it up like a river at its source. Emotional wounds, bitterness and verbal abuse can become mighty waters of rage if not dealt with at their source.

Alternatively, we also have access to a new source, a living water that heals, loves and hopes.

[John 7:38 ESV] 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'"

Just before Jeremiah's description of our wicked heart, he compares man to a tree finding its source in either the world or in God.

[Jeremiah 17:5-8 ESV] 5 Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. 6 He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. 7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. 8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

If we find our roots in the waters of the world, our fruit will be rotten if we bear any at all. Our branches will wither and we will be dry and parched.

If, however, our source is in Christ, we will find healing, love, joy and peace as we are nourished by the Spirit's gentle waters.

Question to Consider

In what areas of my heart do I need to stop the flesh at its source and let Christ's living water flow through?

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, You are the source of life and all good things. Reveal my heart and motives to me today, and show me how to secure my roots in Your rivers of living water. Amen.