From The Hidden Passages Series

But its swamps and marshes will not be healed; they will be given over to salt. Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.” Ezekiel 47:9-12

Perhaps a more shocking reality along our spiritual journey is the sight of swamps in the kingdom of God. Ezekiel’s vision of the restored temple of God and the healing waters flowing from the threshold is a picture of the increasing glory of God on the earth. Every place the holy river goes produces life and healing. Except one astonishing sight…something the river of God will not heal (verse 9).

Is there a secret truth in this passage? What could this mean? A clue may be found in the Bible’s admonition to establish and protect boundaries, to be careful with your words, and being single minded.

But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. Matthew 5:37

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:6-8

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Revelation 3:15,16

Could these verses be an admonition to avoid wishy washy, uncommitted living? Could this be why we don’t see God healing certain areas of our life, our marriage, our family, or business? It has been said, “A river without banks is a swamp”. Our nation needs boundaries, our bodies need boundaries and certainly our relationships need boundaries. The wise father, in the prodigal son story, wisely established boundaries when his wayward son wanted his inheritance.  He divided his inheritance (his boundaries) and let him leave to experience his wayward, boundaryless life. Only after the young son experienced life in the swamp, did he come to his senses and remember where life and healing could be found…back on his father’s ranch.

Perhaps we can learn from God in Genesis. He brought order to an earth that was formless and void and covered with darkness, by dividing and labeling things. He established boundaries and life flourished.

Are there swamps in our life? Have we been double minded? Have we been lukewarm? Let’s not give the enemy any place in us. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

A simple decision to reestablish boundaries in your life, can allow the healing river of God to bring abundant life and healing to you and yours. Let the river flow.