Nov 02 – RIVER GIHON !

It will be greatly beneficial for our spiritual life, to meditate about the mysteries of the rivers in Eden. The term ‘Gihon’ means brimming with gladness.

When people are sorrowful, their eyes brim with tears. When unwanted events happen at home, you get angry. And when others are engaged in distasteful activities, it irritates you no end. But when the Holy Spirit comes within you, you are filled to the brim with gladness.

The Scripture says, “They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life” (Psalm 36:8-9).

Our Lord Jesus Christ came down to earth, to bring that river of gladness. He came down to give the oil of joy for mourning, to give the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, and beauty for ashes. When the joy of the Spirit comes within you, the heavenly kingdom is established within you.

This indescribable and glorious joy will never be taken away from you. And no sorrow can overcome that joy. And this joy will wash away all your bitterness, negative zeal and anger. The heavenly river will carry away all your impurities.

When Kartar Singh; the servant of God was ministering in Tibet, the Lamas caught hold of him and tortured him. They even pierced his body with red-hot iron rods.

But they were astonished to find Kartar Singh praising the Lord, instead of denying Him, even while suffering under great pain. The chief of lamas even asked him how he was so happy even in the midst of such excruciating pain and affliction. In response Kartar Singh said: “Sir, there is a river of joy flowing in me. And that river quenches all the pain of these hot iron rods, calms me down and fills me with gladness.

Children of God, let this river joy flow in you, to gladden your hearts, as you live in this sorrowful world. Let that river bring great joy in your hearts!

Verse for further meditation: “You love righteousness and hate wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions” (Psalm 45:7).