Connect Psalm 46:4 with John 7:38 about living water. What similarities exist?

The River at the Heart of God’s City

• Psalm 46:4: “There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.”

• Picture the scene: a single river branching into life-giving channels, bringing joy right into God’s dwelling place.

• The river is not merely scenic; it is essential—steady, sufficient, unstoppable even when nations rage (v. 6).

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Living Water Flowing from Believers

• John 7:38: “Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’”

• Jesus declares Himself the source. Belief in Him releases an inner, continual flow—“living” because it is Spirit-given, fresh, dynamic, and life-sustaining (v. 39).

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Shared Themes

• Divine Source

– Psalm 46: River originates in God’s dwelling.

– John 7: Living water originates in Christ.

• Continuous Supply

– Psalm 46: Streams “delight” (constant gladness).

– John 7: Streams “will flow” (ongoing action).

• Joy and Security

– Psalm 46: Brings stability despite turmoil.

– John 7: Brings inner satisfaction despite external thirst (cf. John 4:14).

• Presence of God

– Psalm 46: River marks “the holy place where the Most High dwells.”

– John 7: Living water is the Holy Spirit indwelling believers (v. 39; cf. 1 Corinthians 6:19).

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Supporting Scriptures

• Ezekiel 47:1-12—Temple river becomes deeper, heals everything it touches.

• Revelation 22:1-2—“River of the water of life” flowing from God’s throne, nourishing the tree of life.

• Isaiah 58:11—“You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”

• Jeremiah 17:7-8—Believer compared to a tree planted by water, unfearful in drought.

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Personal Application

• Rest in the sufficiency of Christ’s indwelling Spirit; the supply never runs dry.

• Let His living water overflow into relationships, service, and worship—streams are meant to reach others.

• In turmoil or dryness, return to the Source; the same river that secures God’s city fortifies your heart.

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Takeaway

The river in Psalm 46 and the living water in John 7 speak with one voice: God Himself is the unfailing, joy-giving supply. When Christ fills you with His Spirit, the river that gladdens His city becomes the stream that flows from within you, bringing life wherever it goes.