September 22

Broad Rivers Without Galleys

But there the Majestic One, our LORD, will be for us a place of rivers and wide canals, where no galley with oars will row, and no majestic vessel will pass. — Isa 33:21 BSB

The Lord promises to be our greatest good without any of the negative effects that seem to accompany even the best earthly things. If a city is blessed with wide rivers, it might also face attacks by ships of war. But when the Lord uses this metaphor of abundance, He carefully removes any fear that could come with it. Blessed be His perfect love!

Lord, if You send me wealth like broad rivers, don’t let worldliness or pride come up like a galley with oars. If You grant me good health and a cheerful spirit, don’t let the “gallant ship” of selfish ease sail up the stream of my blessings. If You give me great success in serving You, as wide as the Rhine, let me never find the galley of self-conceit or self-confidence floating on the waves of my achievements. Even if I enjoy the light of Your presence year after year, don’t let me despise those who are weaker in faith, or allow pride in my own supposed perfection to sail into the broad rivers of my assurance. Lord, give me the blessing that makes me rich without adding sorrow or aiding sin.