The Stream and the Swamp: A Mindset Rooted in Scripture

This message was first shared with me by my mom, a woman of deep faith and wisdom. I don’t remember the exact season or circumstance that prompted her to share it, but it definitely stayed with me.

The Biblical Foundation: Ezekiel 47

This message was inspired by Ezekiel 47, where the prophet is shown a river flowing from the presence of God. As the water moves outward, it grows deeper and stronger. Wherever the river flows, life follows; trees flourish along its banks, the water is healed, and everything the river touches begins to live.

But Scripture also points out something just as important.

Not all places receive the flow.

The marshes and swamps remain stagnant; untouched by movement, and because they do not flow, they are not healed.

Stream Mindset vs. Swamp Mindset

A stream is constantly moving. It is fed by rain and snow from above; a source higher than itself. As it flows, it is purified, redirected, and reshaped. Even when it meets obstacles such as rocks and debris, it doesn’t stop. It finds a way forward. And wherever it goes, it brings life.

A swamp, on the other hand, is where water collects but does not move. It may begin clear and still, but over time, without flow, it becomes murky. Stagnation creates heaviness, fog, confusion & hidden danger beneath the surface.

Spiritually speaking, our mindset works the same way.

What we allow to feed our thoughts; the words we hear, believe, and repeat, determines whether our inner thoughts remains flowing or becomes stagnant.

Remaining a Stream During Trials

This message becomes especially important during seasons of hardship.

Trials have a way of testing our mindset. Pain, disappointment, uncertainty, and waiting can quietly tempt us to stop moving; to isolate, replay fear, or sit in discouragement. That is often where stagnation begins.

A stream mindset acknowledges the trial or hardship, but doesn't remain stuck in it.

Remaining in a stream mindset during a difficult season means:

• continuing to seek God even when answers aren’t clear

• allowing His Word to shape your thoughts instead of fear

• choosing prayer over panic

• acknowledging truth over your own assumptions

• obedience over your own understanding

Scripture reminds us:

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned.” (Isaiah 43:2)

A Warning of the Swamp Mindset

Swamps do not become swamps overnight. They often begin as lakes or ponds. They can be beautiful at first, but over time, without movement, decay happens & life diminishes.

The same is true spiritually.

If you find yourself feeling stuck, foggy, emotionally heavy, or spiritually empty, it may be time to examine your source.

Ask yourself:

• Where are my thoughts coming from?

• What voices am I allowing to shape my perspective?

• Am I allowing God’s Word to move me or are my own thoughts of fear sitting beside me?

The good news is this: God restores what has grown still and brings life back into places that feel stuck.

“He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:3)

Final Reflection: Always Consider the Source

What my mom helped me understand & what Ezekiel 47 confirms is this;

Life flows from the presence of God.

My hope is that this is a reminder to stay connected to the Source, keep your thoughts moving, and allow God’s truth to flow through your mind, heart, and responses to others.