How We Need The River

Terry Macalmon's song 'How We Need The River' is a heartfelt plea for spiritual renewal and divine presence. The lyrics express a deep yearning for God, likening the soul's thirst for the divine to a deer's desperate need for water. This metaphor underscores the intensity of the spiritual longing and the essential nature of God's presence in the believer's life. The imagery of thirst and water is a powerful biblical reference, often used to symbolize spiritual sustenance and the life-giving power of God's presence.

The song continues with a prayer for God's glory and grace to shower down, filling the place with His holy presence. This request for divine intervention highlights the believer's recognition of their own insufficiency and the need for God's strength to stand firm in a 'dry and weary land.' The repetition of the need for the river and rain symbolizes a desire for spiritual revival and the refreshing presence of the Holy Spirit. The lyrics convey a sense of desperation and hope, as the believer waits for God's transformative power to renew and restore them.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics shift to a more communal plea, asking for Jesus to come and restore love and grace to the believers. The call for healing and the revelation of God's power emphasizes the transformative impact of divine presence on the community. The song concludes with a call to worship in spirit and truth, reflecting a desire for genuine and heartfelt worship that transcends mere ritual. Terry Macalmon's musical style, known for its worshipful and contemplative nature, perfectly complements the song's themes of longing, renewal, and divine encounter.