The King’s River: Finding Refuge and Renewal in Christ’s Cross

Today, we gathered to remember that God is not distant or indifferent, but is deeply present and attentive to us, especially in times of chaos and uncertainty. The world is often shaken by wars, personal crises, and unexpected upheavals—like the ground giving way beneath our feet. Yet, in the midst of all this, God is our refuge, our fortress, and our very present help. Psalm 46 paints a vivid picture: while the seas rage and the nations are in uproar, there is a river whose streams make glad the city of God. This river is not just a poetic image, but a spiritual reality—a sign of God’s provision, refreshment, and unshakeable presence.

Throughout Scripture, rivers symbolize the life and restoration that flow from God. From the river in Eden to the river in the New Jerusalem, and in Ezekiel’s vision of water flowing from the temple, we see that God’s presence brings life where there is chaos. Jesus himself fulfills this vision: on the cross, as his side is pierced, blood and water flow out, echoing the river from the temple. He is the true temple, the source of living water, the place where our brokenness is healed and our relationship with God is restored.

The kingship of Jesus is unlike any other. On the cross, he is mocked as king, yet it is there that his true reign is revealed—not in power or vengeance, but in forgiveness and self-giving love. Even as he suffers, he prays for his enemies, embodying the heart of God who seeks to heal rather than curse. This is the king we are called to behold and follow: one who conquers not by force, but by drawing our hearts to him through sacrificial love.

In the face of all that is unstable in our lives, we are invited to “be still and know that I am God.” This stillness is not passivity, but a letting go of our need to control, and a deep trust in the God who has already fought and won the decisive battle for us. As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded to count our blessings—not as things we have earned, but as gifts from the hand of a gracious God. In gratitude, we find rest, renewal, and the assurance that God is for us, and that his river of life is always flowing, even in the darkest moments.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Presence in Chaos and Uncertainty God is not absent in our turmoil; he is our fortress and very present help. When the world feels unstable and unpredictable, God’s nearness is our true security. We are called to recognize his attentive presence, even when everything else seems to be falling apart. [27:12]
• 2. The River of God’s Provision and Renewal The “river whose streams make glad the city of God” is a symbol of God’s ongoing provision, refreshment, and spiritual sustenance. This river flows through the story of Scripture and culminates in Jesus, who offers living water to all who come to him. In our own lives, we are invited to seek out and drink deeply from the practices, relationships, and moments that connect us to God’s renewing presence. [32:36]
• 3. The Cross as the True Throne of the King Jesus’ kingship is revealed most clearly on the cross, where he forgives rather than curses, and gives himself for the sake of others. This is a radical redefinition of power and authority: true kingship is found in sacrificial love and mercy. We are challenged to see our own pain, and the pain of others, through the lens of the cross, and to follow Jesus in the way of forgiveness and self-giving. [39:13]
• 4. Be Still and Trust in God’s Victory “Be still and know that I am God” is an invitation to let go of our striving and rest in the victory God has already won. Stillness is not inactivity, but a posture of trust—releasing our grip on outcomes and allowing God to fight for us. In this stillness, we find peace, perspective, and the ability to see God’s hand at work, even in the midst of trouble. [44:29]
• 5. Thanksgiving as a Spiritual Practice of Rest Giving thanks is more than a holiday; it is a spiritual discipline that reorients our hearts to God’s generosity. By pausing to remember and acknowledge all that we have received, we cultivate humility, wonder, and a deeper awareness of God’s goodness. Gratitude opens our eyes to the river of blessing that flows from God’s heart, sustaining us in every season. [47:36]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:10] - Operation Christmas Child Blessing
• [03:00] - Prayers for Leaders and the World
• [07:30] - Prayers for the Sick and Expectant Mothers
• [11:30] - Prayers for Peace and Persecuted Christians
• [14:40] - Children’s Blessing
• [16:00] - Introduction and Reflections on Psalm 46
• [24:11] - The Challenge of Preaching and Loving Scripture
• [27:12] - God as Our Refuge Amid Chaos
• [29:34] - The River in the City of God
• [32:36] - Rivers of Refreshment in Our Lives
• [35:04] - Rivers in Scripture and the Presence of God
• [37:12] - The Mock Enthronement and True Kingship of Jesus
• [39:13] - Forgiveness from the Cross
• [41:05] - Jesus as the True Temple and Source of Living Water
• [42:52] - God’s Deliverance at Dawn and the Call to Be Still
• [44:29] - Seeing Life Through the Cross
• [45:55] - The Unchanging River of Christ
• [47:36] - Thanksgiving and the Practice of Gratitude
• [56:00] - Holy Communion and the Mystery of Faith
• [61:38] - Words of Institution and Invitation
• [64:02] - Communion Instructions and Blessing

Bible Reading

Psalm 46 (ESV) — > God is our refuge and strength,
> a very present help in trouble.
> Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
> though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
> though its waters roar and foam,
> though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
> There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
> the holy habitation of the Most High.
> God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
> God will help her when morning dawns.
> The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
> he utters his voice, the earth melts.
> The Lord of hosts is with us;
> the God of Jacob is our fortress.
> ...
> “Be still, and know that I am God.
> I will be exalted among the nations,
> I will be exalted in the earth!”
> The Lord of hosts is with us;
> the God of Jacob is our fortress.

John 19:33-34 (ESV) — > But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.

Ezekiel 47:1, 9 (ESV) — > Then he brought me back to the door of the temple, and behold, water was issuing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east... And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes.

Observation Questions

1. In Psalm 46, what images are used to describe chaos and instability in the world? How does the psalmist contrast these with the image of the river? [[27:12]]
2. According to the sermon, what is significant about the river in the city of God, especially considering that Jerusalem does not have a physical river? [[29:34]]
3. What happens when Jesus’ side is pierced on the cross, and how does the sermon connect this to the river in Ezekiel’s vision? [[41:05]]
4. What does Jesus say from the cross about those who are crucifying him, and how is this different from the response of other martyrs in Jewish history? [[39:13]]

Interpretation Questions

1. The psalmist says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” What does it mean for God to be “very present” in times of chaos, according to the sermon? [[27:12]]
2. The river in Psalm 46 is described as making glad the city of God. How does the sermon interpret this river as more than just a physical feature? What does it symbolize for believers today? [[32:36]]
3. The sermon draws a connection between the water flowing from Jesus’ side and the river from the temple in Ezekiel’s vision. What is the significance of this connection for understanding who Jesus is and what he accomplishes on the cross? [[41:05]]
4. The kingship of Jesus is revealed on the cross, not through power or vengeance, but through forgiveness and self-giving love. How does this redefine what it means to be a king or to have authority? [[39:13]]

Application Questions

1. When you face times of chaos or uncertainty—whether in the world or in your personal life—what are some ways you have experienced God’s presence as a “refuge” or “fortress”? Are there specific practices or relationships that help you remember God is near? [[27:12]]
2. The sermon invites us to “drink deeply” from the river of God’s provision and renewal. What are some spiritual practices, places, or people that refresh your soul when life feels overwhelming? How can you make space for these in the coming week? [[32:36]]
3. Jesus forgave those who crucified him, even as he suffered. Is there someone in your life you find it hard to forgive? What would it look like to see them through the lens of the cross and move toward forgiveness or self-giving love? [[39:13]]
4. The call to “be still and know that I am God” is described as letting go of our need to control and trusting God’s victory. What is one area of your life where you struggle to let go and trust God? What would it look like to practice stillness and trust this week? [[44:29]]
5. The sermon says that gratitude is a spiritual practice that helps us rest and see God’s goodness. As Thanksgiving approaches, what are some specific blessings—big or small—that you can name and thank God for? How might you make gratitude a regular part of your spiritual life? [[47:36]]
6. The river in Scripture is a symbol of God’s ongoing life and restoration. Are there “rivers” in your life—habits, relationships, or moments—that you need to return to or prioritize to experience God’s renewal? [[32:36]]
7. The sermon challenges us to see our own pain and the pain of others through the lens of the cross. How might this perspective change the way you respond to suffering, both in your own life and in the lives of those around you? [[39:13]]