Many years ago, in a college communications class, we studied riparian zones. A riparian zone, by definition, is the area that is close to or around a small lake, river or stream. These riparian zones are unique as they are different than the native area surrounding them. In many instances, a lush, green riparian zone can even be bordered by brown desert landscape.

A powerful lesson stems from the riparian zones. The riparian zones are always saturated. They are always wet. They are always green and lush. They are always filled with growing bushes, trees and shrubs. This is because they are always right next to a body of water. This life-giving water causes them to be different from the normal landscape of the local habitat or area.

Like riparian zones, people who stay close to God, people who look to God, people who look for God, and people who live by God’s principles, are different than everyone else. These people who are close to God are saturated by His love, His mercy and His goodness.

They grow because He gives them life-giving water, and He gives them nourishment and strength through His evidences and assurances as they demonstrate faith in Him. It is no wonder that the physical riparian zone is so similar to the spiritual riparian zone.

If you want to have greater evidences and assurances in your life, if you want your faith and testimony to grow, simply get closer to God, strive to be near Him, and seek to follow His commandments. Just being near Him will saturate you in His living waters and will change your life, your countenance, your goals, your perceptions and your desires.