The River Within: Loving God, Living Passionately

by Jeff Imbach

IS THIS ALL THERE IS? Have you ever wondered why your experience doesn't measure up to the radical life of joy and adventure described time and again in the Bible? Are you so busy "doing" that life has become a soul-wearying blur of activity? Do you ever feel like something deep and profoundly liberating is missing and wonder, "Is this all there is to life?" Jesus said, "Anyone who drinks the water I give him will never thirst. . . . The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life" (John 4:14, The Message). If you're tired of a soul-numbing existence and long to experience this passionate life described by Jesus, you must read this book. The River Within will open your eyes to a new way of living that brings you closer to God and plunges you into the passionate joy of living.

Genres: Christian

277 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1998

Reviews

[Jason Kanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I initially began reading this book several months ago, but reshelved it because it was not connecting with me. I wasn’t feeling passionate about it. I decided to pull it back off the shelf recently and the longer I read, the more I enjoyed it. It is deeply Trinitarian, and the author’s view of community, creation, relationship, and connection with God are excellent. It makes me wonder why it connected with me now rather than when I first picked it up.

[Andrew Irving · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lot of fluff, a few good take aways

[Sheri Hathaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

With an emphasis on joy, passion and the life of Christ living in us, Imbach describes an active Christian life in terms that is exciting. My favorite quotes:

"Passion runs deeper than the burning desire we happen to feel at the moment. Passion is God's life running through us. It is not merely a gift from God, it is the presence of God, the vibrant flowing, love-filled life of the Trinity." p. 69

"Creation brings us back home to ourselves and restores our centre. I don't think it's an accidental juxtaposition when the psalmist said, 'He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,' and then adds, 'he restores my soul.'" p. 216

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tackles our spirituality... more specifically the idea of God's spirit that in us. This book messes with the idea of the trinity and what that means for us and that we need to relax and just be who God created us to be with our unique mess of genetics, and personality quirks and loves and passions. Highly recommend for those who want a challenge on their view of God.

[Glen Grunau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on spiritual formation. Chapter four is one of the best I have ever read about the Trinity, balancing the yearnings for both union and distinction that defines our relational God and helps us better understand our own yearnings.

[Marisa Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thoughtful writing, rooted in Spiritual Formation in its' most classic sense. I was challenged to nourish my soul.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

If the process of spiritual formation has grown stagnant in your life, and the tried and true programs and methods aren't getting you out of the rut, grab a copy of this book. Rather than giving Five Easy Steps to reignite our love for God, Imbach draws on the numerous stories he's heard as a spiritual director, and the guidance he's received from classic Christian authors and other spiritual directors to help readers out of the ditch.
He believes the key is for Christians to recognize their desires and passions as God's gifts rather than striving to suppress them. Imbach encourages Christians to own their inner passions as good without swinging in the opposite direction and allowing them to overpower reason and morals. An avid fly-fisherman, he utilizes the river metaphor to capture the sense of movement and change inherent in the process of spiritual transformation.
He acknowledges the challenges of stepping into the water and the various pitfalls that await, but he encourages readers to reenter the flow of "The River Within" and trust God's never-ending love.