Allison Durham Speer - Mighty River Of Love Lyrics
Lyrics
A mother of three faces life alone
Her heart torn in pieces since her love left home
It wasn't her fault but she still feels the pain
And she needs to be held through the tears and shame
With more than mere words we must reach her
With the heart of our God we must go
(Chorus)
Let the mighty river of love flow
Let the mighty river of love flow
See compassion flood over the desert sand
Restoring life to a barren land
Let the mighty river of love flow
An old grey-haired man in a rocking chair
See him wastin' away thinkin' nobody cares
Once he was gentle but now he's grown cold
In the modern man's world there's no room for the old
With more than mere words we must reach him
With the heart of our God we must go
(Repeat chorus)
Shall we gather at the river
The beautiful, beautiful river
Gather with the saints at the river
(Repeat chorus)
Video
Bill & Gloria Gaither - Upon This Rock [Live] ft. Allison Durham Speer
Meaning & Inspiration
Allison Durham Speer’s "Mighty River Of Love," featured powerfully alongside Bill & Gloria Gaither's "Upon This Rock" release on October 12, 2012, emerges as a profound anthem for active, divine compassion. This isn't merely a song to be heard; it's a stirring call to embody the very heart of God in a world desperately needing solace and intervention. Its message flows with an urgent clarity, urging believers beyond passive sentiment to a dynamic outpouring of God's restorative affection for the hurting.
The narrative unfolds through two poignant vignettes, painting vivid pictures of human vulnerability that resonate deeply with universal experiences of pain and isolation. The first introduces a mother, grappling with the crushing weight of a fractured life, her "heart torn in pieces" by abandonment. Her anguish is palpable, marked by "tears and shame," a raw depiction of a soul yearning for comfort beyond human understanding. The song immediately identifies the inadequacy of "mere words" in such profound suffering, declaring that true solace demands direct action: "With the heart of our God we must go." This reflects the Scriptural mandate to care for the vulnerable, echoing the Lord’s promise to be near the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18) and the call to offer comfort to those who mourn, as promised in Isaiah 61:1-3, acting as vessels of His healing touch.
This urgency culminates in the powerful declaration of the chorus: "Let the mighty river of love flow / See compassion flood over the desert sand / Restoring life to a barren land." This central metaphor is deeply rooted in biblical imagery, portraying God's love not as a trickle, but as an overwhelming, life-giving torrent. Just as Ezekiel’s vision depicts a river flowing from the temple, bringing life wherever it goes (Ezekiel 47), and Jesus spoke of rivers of living water flowing from within believers (John 7:38), this song envisions divine love as an unstoppable force. It transforms the "desert sand" and "barren land"—symbols of desolation, despair, and spiritual drought—into flourishing landscapes of hope and renewed existence. This "river of love" is not a human invention; it is the very essence of God, capable of true and lasting restoration, mirroring the water of life from the throne of God mentioned in Revelation 22:1.
The second verse broadens the scope of this compassionate outreach, focusing on an "old grey-haired man" isolated in a rocking chair, "wasting away thinkin' nobody cares." His transformation from gentleness to coldness speaks to the corrosive effect of neglect, particularly within a society that often marginalizes its elders. The pointed observation that "in the modern man's world there's no room for the old" underscores a societal failing, a lack of reverence and integration that runs counter to biblical principles. Scripture consistently calls for honor towards the aged, emphasizing their wisdom and dignity (Leviticus 19:32, Proverbs 20:29). Again, the song insists that "more than mere words" are needed; it requires going forth "with the heart of our God." This is a tangible demonstration of faith, reflecting the practical love and care for others enjoined throughout the New Testament, reminding us to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) and to visit those in need (Matthew 25:35-40).
The bridge, with its evocative query, "Shall we gather at the river / The beautiful, beautiful river / Gather with the saints at the river," provides a beautiful, communal dimension to the song's message. It draws upon the rich tradition of hymnody, specifically referencing the well-known spiritual, and transforms the individual call to action into a collective invitation. This is not just about individual acts of kindness but about the gathered body of Christ, the church, coming together to participate in this divine outpouring. It suggests that the "mighty river of love" is most fully realized when God's people unite in purpose, allowing His compassion to flow through their collective efforts. It speaks to the unity of believers, a fellowship dedicated to manifesting God's love and establishing His kingdom on earth (1 Corinthians 12:27, Romans 12:4-5).
Ultimately, "Mighty River Of Love" is a powerful and essential declaration for our times, an inspiring musical sermon on practical theology. It compels us to look beyond surface appearances to the deep hurts within others, not with judgment, but with the boundless, transformative compassion of Christ. The song emphasizes that true love, stemming from the very "heart of our God," is active, selfless, and restorative. It is a divine force that heals broken hearts, renews withered spirits, and reclaims barren lands, inviting every follower of Christ to become a conduit for that mighty, life-giving river of love. Its enduring message calls the faithful to a higher standard of engagement, reminding them that God is love (1 John 4:8) and we are His instruments to channel that love into a world longing for its embrace.