Word for the Week

The River of God

Monday 16 - Sunday 22 February 2026 

Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-12

Ezekiel is given a vision of a river that flows from the very presence of God. It is not a trickle and it is not a stagnant pool. It is a living and moving stream that begins at the sanctuary and grows deeper and stronger as it travels. At first the water reaches only to the ankles, then to the knees, then to the waist, until it becomes a river so full and so alive that no one can cross it. It is a river that can only be entered by trust. This vision reveals something of the nature of the Spirit of God. He draws us gently and patiently into deeper places of life, healing and renewal. The river that flows from the presence of God brings life wherever it goes. It reaches dry places, broken places and barren places. Trees flourish along its banks and fruit appears in every season. Even the salty and lifeless waters of the Dead Sea are transformed when the river touches them. Many of us long for renewal in our hearts, our homes, our church and our community. Ezekiel’s vision reminds us that renewal does not begin with our effort or our striving. It begins with the river of God. Our part is simply to step in, to move a little deeper, to trust the leading of the Spirit and to allow His life to flow into the places within us that feel weary or dry.

The beauty of this river is that it never runs out, it never dries up and it never stops flowing. The Spirit of God is always moving, always healing and always restoring. The invitation is not to work harder but to enter more deeply into the life that God offers.

This week, may you sense the gentle pull of the river of God. May you discover fresh life where you felt dry, fresh hope where you felt weary and fresh strength where you felt stretched. The river is flowing. Step in.

Verse to hold onto: “Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live.” (Ezekiel 47:9)

Prayer for the Week

Holy Spirit, draw me deeper into Your life-giving presence. Let Your river flow through every dry or weary place within me. Heal what is broken, refresh what is tired and renew what has grown faint. Lead me step by step into the fullness of Your life. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Anyone wishing to continue with Pastor Henry’s Deeply rooted devotional can access them at:

http://www.amazon.com/author/henryohakah