Introduction
The dinosaurs reading this article (Generation X) will remember the frustration of finding their car’s super stereo system had been stolen, leaving a gaping hole and a few loose wires and no way to listen to their latest C90 cassette. Such a perplexing scenario is now confined to the annals of history, as the entire manner and infrastructure as to how we consume entertainment (primarily movies and music) have changed. A quantum leap has occurred, from owning a 45-minute cassette to having the ability to access 100 million songs on Spotify in a matter of seconds, or renting a VHS or DVD for a few days to having access to an ever-expanding catalogue of movies and shows on Netflix or Disney+, all of which come through a variety of streaming platforms. But whilst we can look in awe at the progress made technically, we should be aware of the potential danger spiritually.
There has never been a time like this when the believer can have the easiest access to the most damaging and harmful content. Technically, streaming refers to the continuous flow of data over a network. But the word itself comes from nature. A stream is something that flows steadily from a source to a destination. Scripture often uses this imagery, and it provides valuable spiritual lessons. Geographically, in many cases the stream at the source is polluted, causing the contents to be harmful for many who consume water from it. We must be aware as to what we are allowing to stream into our lives and into our homes, as it subtly shapes our thoughts, desires and priorities.
Streams of Egypt: Bitterness and Bondage
“Stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams” (Exo 7:19).1
Every river is shaped by its source. To understand its character, we must trace it back to where it begins. The same principle applies spiritually. What feeds our minds and hearts will determine our spiritual condition. In ancient Egypt, the Nile and its tributaries were objects of worship. The river was personified as the god Hapi and revered as the source of life and prosperity. This was idolatry at its height. When God turned the waters of Egypt into blood, He was not merely performing a miracle; He was executing judgment upon false gods and false hopes. These “streams of Egypt” represent a world system built on pleasure, pride and bondage.
Much of what flows through modern streaming services is produced by a culture that is enslaved to its idols. It celebrates immorality, glorifies selfishness and mocks holiness. Like Egypt of old, it promises satisfaction but delivers spiritual bitterness. The apostle John warns, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world” (1Jn 2:15). He identifies three dangers: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. These describe what we desire, what we gaze upon and what we live for.
Israel once grew dissatisfied with God’s provision and longed again for the food of Egypt. They forgot the bondage and remembered only the pleasures. In the same way, believers can grow weary of spiritual nourishment and begin to crave worldly entertainment. When that happens, spiritual vitality begins to fade. Our viewing and listening habits often reveal our true affections. We may profess love for the Father, yet what we regularly stream may tell another story. The music we play, the programmes we follow and the videos we consume indicate what occupies our hearts. The only way to be truly separated from Egypt is through the power of the cross. Paul could say, “The world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Gal 6:14). Just as the Red Sea cut Israel off from Egypt, Christ’s cross must separate us from the world’s influence. Without that separation, the streams of Egypt will continue to flow into our lives and weaken our testimony.
Streams From the Rock: Fighting the Flesh
“He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers” (Psa 78:16).
Psalm 78 traces Israel’s journey from Egypt to the kingdom period, reminding each generation of God’s faithfulness and their responsibility to remain obedient. Central to that story is God’s provision of water from the rock at Rephidim. That rock, smitten by Moses, is a powerful picture of Christ. Only after it was struck did life-giving water flow. Likewise, only after Christ was smitten at Calvary did the Holy Spirit descend and flow from Pentecost. The streams from the rock point us to the ministry of the Spirit in the believer’s life. Paul exhorts us to be “filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18). This means allowing Him to direct every aspect of our lives – our thoughts, words, decisions and relationships. He immediately applies this to our speech and worship; the believer’s playlist should be a healthy stream of “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (v19). Our lives should be marked by gratitude, praise and reverence for God. However, what we stream can either strengthen or weaken that spiritual flow. Constant exposure to ungodly content diverts our attention, dulls our conscience and drains spiritual sensitivity. It becomes harder to pray, harder to read Scripture and harder to enjoy fellowship with God.
After the rock was smitten, Amalek attacked Israel. Always in Scripture, Amalek represents the flesh, our old sinful nature that opposes the Spirit. The flesh thrives when it is fed and grows weak when it is denied. When we make provision for the flesh by permitting sinful material into our minds, we grieve the Holy Spirit. Our testimony becomes shallow. Our worship becomes empty. Our service loses power. We may still attend meetings and carry out responsibilities, but spiritual weight and authority are missing. What you stream on a Saturday night will have a direct impact on your enjoyment of remembering the Lord on a Lord’s Day morning. Without regular time in prayer and Scripture, the streams from the rock are restricted, and spiritual dryness soon follows.
Streams of Gladness: Refreshment and Refuge
“There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God” (Psa 46:4).
Psalm 46 was written in the context of upheaval and uncertainty. It speaks of earthquakes, raging waters and troubled nations. Yet at the centre of the psalm stands a calm and steady river flowing through the city of God. “God is our refuge and strength” (v1), the psalmist declares. Throughout Scripture, God is presented as the believer’s refuge and place of safety. From His presence flows a river whose streams bring gladness, peace and renewal. When Israel travelled to Jerusalem for worship, David wrote, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord” (122:1). True joy flows from fellowship with God. It cannot be manufactured by entertainment or replaced by distraction. In Eden, a river flowed out to water the garden and sustain life. Humanity enjoyed unhindered fellowship with God. But sin interrupted that relationship, and access to the source was lost. Yet through Christ, access has been restored. From Calvary flows a river of grace, mercy and truth to every redeemed believer. We must learn to walk daily beside this river. Time in God’s presence is not optional; it is essential. His Word must continually stream into our hearts if we are to remain spiritually healthy. When Scripture is neglected, joy fades and spiritual resilience weakens. In a world where information never stops, immorality rises and nations rage, believers need a deeper refuge than entertainment can provide. We need the still waters of God’s presence. Only there can we hear His voice say, “Be still, and know that I am God” (46:10).
Conclusion
We cannot avoid streaming technology. It is part of modern life. Used wisely, it can be helpful and even beneficial. But used carelessly, it becomes spiritually destructive. Each day, we choose which of these will flow into our lives. May God give us discernment to shut out polluted waters, wisdom to guard our hearts, and desire to dwell beside the river of His presence, so that our digital habits reflect true spiritual priorities and bring honour to His name.
When we hunger Thou wilt feed us;
Manna shall our camp surround;
Faint and thirsty, Thou wilt heed us,
Streams shall from the rock abound:
Happy people!
What a Saviour we have found!2
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the KJV unless otherwise noted.
2 Thomas Kelly (1769–1855)
