Gaither Vocal Band - What Once Was A River Lyrics

What Once Was A River Video

What Once Was A River Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

"What Once Was A River" is a song by the Gaither Vocal Band, a renowned Southern gospel group. Released in 2004 as part of their album "Passin' the Faith Along," this song has become a favorite among fans of Christian music. With powerful vocals and uplifting lyrics, it encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith and encourages believers to embrace the transformational power of God's Spirit.

Main Key Messages of the Song:
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The song "What Once Was A River" conveys several key messages that are significant to the Christian faith. Let's examine these messages chronologically through the lines of the song.

1. "Ooh, it's time, the prophecies are here
The Spirit's moving swifter
The last days are near"

These opening lines set the tone for the song and highlight the anticipation of the fulfillment of biblical prophecies. It emphasizes the belief that we are living in the end times and that the Holy Spirit is actively at work in the world, preparing for the return of Christ.

2. "Ooh, young men will see visions
And old men will dream dreams
I will pour out my Spirit in those days
Like never before seen"

These lines reference the prophecy from Joel 2:28-29, which states, "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days." The song highlights the outpouring of God's Spirit upon all believers and the manifestation of spiritual gifts and revelations in the last days.

3. "What once was a river now is a flood
What once was a taste of His glory
Now is a feast of His love
The windows of heaven have opened above
What once was a river now is a flood"

These lines emphasize the abundance and intensity of God's blessings and presence in the lives of believers. The river that was once a mere trickle has now become a flood, symbolizing the overwhelming outpouring of God's love, grace, and power. It signifies a shift from a limited experience of God's glory to a full and abundant feast of His love and provision.

4. "And it sweeps me away
And I'm caught in the flow
But I don't want to be free
From this flood that covers me"

These lines express the desire to be fully immersed and consumed by the overwhelming presence of God. The imagery of being swept away and caught in the flow of God's Spirit represents surrender and a willingness to be carried along by His divine guidance. It reflects the longing to remain in a state of surrender and dependency on God's love and grace.

Meaning and Inspiration:
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The song encapsulates the anticipation of the last days, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the overwhelming presence of God's love and blessings. It encourages believers to embrace the fullness of God's Spirit and to surrender to His guidance and direction.

Critically Analyzing the Biblical Foundation:
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To determine if "What Once Was A River" aligns with biblical teachings, let us critically analyze the song and explore its biblical foundation.

1. The song references the prophecy from Joel 2:28-29, which speaks of the outpouring of God's Spirit in the last days. This prophecy is also mentioned in Acts 2:17-18, as Peter quotes it on the day of Pentecost. Therefore, the song's portrayal of the fulfillment of this prophecy is consistent with biblical teachings.

2. The concept of God's blessings and presence being likened to a river is also prevalent in Scripture. In John 7:38, Jesus says, "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." This imagery aligns with the song's depiction of the river turning into a flood, signifying an overflow of God's love and blessings.

3. The desire to be caught in the flow of God's Spirit and to remain in a state of surrender is in line with biblical teachings about the importance of yielding to God's will. Romans 12:1 urges believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as an act of worship. The song's lyrics echo this sentiment, expressing a desire to be swept away by the current of God's Spirit.

Overall, "What Once Was A River" demonstrates a strong biblical foundation. It draws from prophetic passages and biblical imagery to convey a message of the transforming power of God's Spirit and the abundant blessings available to believers.

In conclusion, "What Once Was A River" by the Gaither Vocal Band is a powerful song that encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith. Its lyrics convey messages of anticipation, transformation, and surrender to the overwhelming presence of God's Spirit. While details about its specific inspiration or story may be scarce, the song's biblical foundation is evident through its references to scriptural prophecies and teachings. As believers, we can find encouragement and inspiration in the song's reminder of the abundance of God's love and blessings available to us.