The Brook in the Way

David was no stranger to battle. He understood the danger of warfare and the struggle of fighting the enemy. David knew the fear that threatened a man when faced with the possibility of death and the isolating feeling that comes from standing in the pathway of harm. The soldier would be weary. He would be tired. He would be thirsty! Here in our text, David makes a statement of hope and solace. He declares that even in the midst of battle there is a brook! There is a refreshing place! There is a place where the embattled soldier can regain his strength and revive his hope! There is a brook in the way! Consider these three things:

1. THERE IS A BROOK IN THE WAY!

For the child of God, it is imperative that we not forget that we have a refreshing place! We are not exempt from trials or trouble, we will venture onto our own battlefields in life, but what a blessing to remember, “There is a brook in the way.” For the Christian, we can find refreshing in Christ, in the Holy Spirit’s comfort, in the Scriptures, in the local church. There is a brook in the way for us!

2. THE BROOK WILL NOT HELP IF IT IS NOT USED!

Imagine that soldier in the heat of battle. He’s tired and thirsty. He needs refreshing. He sees the brook in the way! There it is! Right there for him…but he does not go to the brook and dip his hand in the cool water and take a drink. He does not use the brook and utilize its benefits. He sees it, but he does not apply it! For the Christian, it is a blessing to know we have a brook in the way, but it is imperative that we use our brook! We need more than to know we have a Saviour, we must go to Him with our needs. It’s not enough to own a Bible, we must know our Bibles. We believe God answers prayer, but we must take time to offer our own petitions to God!

3. THE CHRISTIAN WHO HAS FOUND THE BROOK CAN BECOME A BROOK IN THE WAY FOR ANOTHER!

A Christian who has been refreshed and revived and encouraged can in turn be an encourager to another Christian who stands where they previously stood. What a joy it is to be used of God to be a blessing and a help to a brother or sister in Christ. Once you’ve found the brook, become a brook for somebody else!

ILLUSTRATION: During the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century, German pastor Paul Gerhardt and his family were forced to flee from their home. One night as they stayed in a small inn, homeless and afraid, his wife broke down in despair. To comfort her, Gerhardt reminded her of Scripture promises about God’s provision and keeping. Going out to the garden to be alone, he too broke down and wept. He felt he had come to his darkest hour. Soon afterward, Gerhardt felt the burden lifted and sensed anew the Lord’s presence. Taking his pen, he wrote a hymn, “Give to the winds thy fears; hope, and be undismayed; God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears; God shall lift up thy head. Through waves and clouds and storms He gently clears the way. Wait thou His time, so shall the night soon end in joyous day.” -unknown

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