The River That Runs Through Us
When the river stays within its banks, life flourishes downstream.
Ray Stedman draws our attention to one of the most powerful forces in human experience—sexuality—and reminds us that God’s Word doesn’t suppress it, but rather channels it. Like a mighty river, sex brings life and delight when it stays within God’s boundaries, but brings destruction when unleashed without restraint.
Stedman points out the surprising grace of God: though humans often misuse this powerful gift, God doesn’t revoke it. Instead, He entrusts it to us with the invitation to steward it wisely. The laws in Leviticus are not about repression but about protection. They aren’t walls that imprison us but riverbanks that allow flourishing. Sex is not a casual exchange of pleasure—it is designed for covenantal oneness: physical, emotional, and spiritual intimacy that can only thrive in the safety of marriage.
Misused, sex is harmful—not just emotionally or physically, but spiritually. Stedman warns of the spiritual consequences when God’s boundaries are crossed, especially within the family. This breakdown, he says, doesn’t just affect individuals—it unravels society. Romans 1 echoes this truth: when we abandon God’s design, chaos ensues. But God’s heart isn’t to scare us; it’s to bring us back to life as He meant it to be—whole, rich, and unashamed.
A Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
I designed your body and your soul with purpose, weaving into your humanity desires that mirror the intimacy of My triune fellowship. I created male and female and blessed their union, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply.” Yet I never meant for desire to dominate you. I intended it to be given and received in the beauty of covenant love.
I have written My law upon your heart and shown you the way of life. When I said, “Do not uncover the nakedness of your kin,” it was not to restrict your joy but to preserve it. My ways are higher than your ways, and in them is freedom, not bondage. You are not your own—you were bought with a price. So glorify Me in your body.
Do not be conformed to the patterns of this world which treats what is sacred as common. I have called you to offer your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, which is your spiritual worship. You are no longer walking in darkness but in light, so walk in a manner worthy of your calling. Let your conduct reflect the covenant you belong to.
The world may rage like a flood, sweeping away boundaries I have lovingly drawn. But you, child of light, have been given a Spirit of self-control and sound mind. Remain rooted in love, not legalism. Let My grace train you to renounce ungodliness and to live uprightly in this present age. Your identity is not found in passions or past failures. Your identity is Christ in you—the hope of glory.
You are Mine. You are free. And in that freedom, you can choose what leads to life.
(Genesis 1:27–28, Leviticus 18:6, Romans 12:1–2, 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Ephesians 5:8–10, Titus 2:11–12, Colossians 1:27)
Prayer of Trust
Father, You’ve entrusted us with great power—not to indulge the flesh but to express covenant love in a way that glorifies You. I no longer live as one tossed by the current of culture. Your Spirit in me steadies the course. I delight in Your boundaries because they keep me in the flow of life as You designed it.
Thank You for restoring my understanding of sexuality. Thank You for reminding me that it is sacred, not shameful, and powerful, not to be trivialized. I trust the life of Christ within me to choose what leads to wholeness. Today I walk as one who has already been made clean, already empowered to reflect Your purity, and already walking in the freedom of Your truth.
Devotional Credit: Based on “Immeasurably More” by Ray Stedman, April 20th entry
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