Streams in the Desert, KJV

by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

This book of daily devotions has been one of the most popular of its kind for nearly a century since its first publication in 1925.
Lettie Cowman (who published under the name: Mrs. Charles E. Cowman) worked alongside her husband as missionary in Japan. In the years leading up to the death of her husband in 1924, the Lord gave her the “streams in her desert”.
Its strength lies in its nature: it is a compilation of the devotional insights from some of the most spiritual people of the last 400 years. This feature makes the book both timeless and up-to-date, both challenging and comforting, both inspiring and convicting. In one word, by God’s grace, the prayerful reading of this book will be life-changing! The book is not an easy read. If you are looking for excitement or superficial encouragement, look elsewhere! But if you desire to follow the lamb wherever he goes (Rev 14:4), then you will find comfort, strength and joy in feasting on these pages. May the Lord meet with you daily as you use this book!

Genres: Christian, Devotional, Nonfiction, Faith, Religion, Christianity, Christian Living

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 1904

About the author

also published under the name Lettie B. Cowman & L.B. Cowman

Reviews

[Cindy Rollins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the classic Christian devotional on suffering for good reason. We suffer. My sister suggested I read this 2 years ago when the props fell out from under me. I read it almost daily for a year on a Kindle App. It was sustaining. This and the Psalms and coffee became the staples of my mornings. One day I realized I could check off the ones I had read already in the app so I began doing that last November and now I am quite sure I have read all the devotions and will read them again I am sure.

Some readings are better than others in this book. Most days we are reminded that suffering is normal and if not good, at least fruitful for Christians. Every once in a while one of the readings is too cheesy and almost always the poetry is pretty bad but in spite of those caveats this book has felt like a gift from my sister and a gift from God.

I just ordered Tim Keller's new devotional on the Psalms so I will say goodbye to Streams for a while but I highly recommend it for those of you who are in the midst of suffering.

[Julie Durnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful compilation of readings and poems with both morning and evening devotions! I will be using it again in the new year.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I know I finished this a day early, but tomorrow is going to be a busy day.)

Full of excellent inspirational thoughts, this was a great daily devotional. The author may be long departed, but her words, like the Good Book that inspired it, are timeless.

[Kellie O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

" In The Lord I take refuge." Psalm 11:1

This is such a beautiful and delightful devotional!! I thoroughly looked forward to reading it every day and evening! It's filled with beautiful Scriptures and poems, or a story that went with the Scripture passages. I've learned so very much and it's a beautiful blessing to read it! 🩵 Now, I will go back to reading Today In The Word. It's a monthly devotional book from Moody Bible Institute that I have been reading for over 20 something years old love it!!
Have a blessed day 💞🙏

[Kathleen L. Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Cowman has compiled one of the finest devotionals I've ever read. It seems to have a supernatural sense of my need on a particular day, every year (I'm on my fourth year of reading it). Keen insights on suffering, stamina, storms and setbacks are just a sampling from her book. It nourishes anyone who has endeavored to serve God with encouragement and strength for the journey.
A must-have for the Christian's library.

[Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I attribute a lot of my growth in faith to this book. Reading this book each day, and believing each sentence verbatim will help move you into a state of receptivity and childlike faith—it will help rewire you brain to trust God instead of your own fallible mind.

[Laurie Ishii · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this every day - along with "My Utmost for His Highest" and of course - the Bible.

[Mark Uncommon Valor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A number of years ago I went to America with a steamship captain who was very devoted Christian. When we were off the coast of Newfoundland, he said to me, " The last time I sailed here, which was five weeks ago, something happened that revolutionized my entire Christian life. I had been on the bridge for twenty-four staight hours when George Mueller of Bristol, England, who was a passanger on board, came to me and said, 'Captain, I need to tell you I must be in Quebec on Saturday afternoon. " That is impossible,' I replied. ' Very well, ' Mueller responded, ' if your ship cannot take me, God will find some other way, for I have never missed an engagement in fifty-seven years. Let's go down to the chartroom to pray.'

" I looked at this man of God and thought to myself, ' What lunatic asylum did he escape from ? ' I had never encountered someone like this. ' Mr. Mueller, ' I said, ' do you realize how dense the fog is ? ' ' No ', he replied. ' My eye is not on the dense fog but on the Living God, who controls every circumstance of my life. ' " He then knelt down and prayed one of the most simple prayers I've ever heard. When we had finished, I started to pray, but he put his hand on my shoulder and told me not to pray.
He said, ' First, you do not believe God will answer, and second, I BELIEVE HE HAS, Consequently, there is no need whatsoever for you to pray about it. ' As I looked at him, he said, ' Captain, I have known my Lord for fifty-seven years, and there has never been even a single day that I have failed to get an audience with the King. Get up, Captain, and open the door, and you will see that the fog is gone. ' I got up, and indeed the fog was gone. And on Saturday afternoon George Mueller was in Quebec for his meeting. " by L.B. Cowman, Aug.17

[Trace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been my faithful companion throughout 2016. It has brought me so much comfort. Easily the very best devotional I have read.

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional was a wonderful companion for my Mom and I during her 12 year battle with cancer. We would read it in the hospital together. As she got more and more ill, we read more and more faithfully. The last year of her life, she read it every day, and I tried to follow along. When she won her victory in the LORD, I inherited her copy, and gave away copies to friends, family and fellow suffering sojourners.

What I love about this devotional is that it is not all Mrs. Cowman, rather, it is a collection of poignant devotional reading she did, strung together by topic, and presented in a manageable form for each day. There are no easy answers to difficult rocky paths here, but there is a connection with the Good Shepherd Jesus, whose sheep know His voice -- and that is what makes all the difference in the world.

---- Original Review from 2010
A wonderful companion in suffering, written by Mrs. Charles Cowman (Lettie) in 6 dark years of her suffering, and made available to comfort others with the Spirit of God from which she drew strength. I'm rereading it again in the midst of a difficult season. I find the more I'm struggling, the stronger the resonance of this work.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This devotional classic presents thoughts penned by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman or selected from other Christian writers (who are given minimal attribution--generally just a name or initials). Most days begin with a brief Scripture or Scripture excerpt, then have some written prose thoughts, and finally a poem. Many of the thoughts still resonate with readers. By today's standards, the citations to other works are incomplete and inadequate. The poetry seems a little trite and probably a little too focused on rhyme for today's audience. I'm certain the work will continue to provide daily thoughts to another generation of readers, but I hope someone takes the time to update it to include fuller citations and perhaps to replace some of the monotonous poetry with poetry that will speak to future generations.

[Tammie]

Valuable insights to calm an anxious mind.

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful devotional has seen me through a number of rough times in my life. I cannot recommend it highly enough. I have been through it several times since obtaining it in 2005.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume One (78th printing), Originally published in 1925- mine is from 1976. This devotional is unlike any other I've ever read. It's a volume of spiritual refreshment.
Full of daily encouragement and inspirational Truth for each day of the year!
I love how each day there is a portion of Scripture, a devotion, and often a poem/verse/song that fits perfectly within.
I usually read each devotional several times, savoring each morsel. This book would be especially good for those going through a "desert" in their life ( a time of hardship or suffering...) God has been speaking to me through this little book! I especially recommend the older version as it is much better in my opinion!
It truly is a stream in the desert; you will never leave thirsty.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

2015~2016
This little book of daily devotionals is an absolute treasure! Typically I have a standout book during my reading year and this is definitely my highlight book for 2015. Quite frequently I'd find myself reading a whole handful of days at a time, then re-reading and re-reading again as I pondered the words. Full of scriptural insight and spiritual wisdom, truth and encouragement. I don't often add books to my "favorites" shelf but this is certainly a new favorite, a gem to keep and revisit.

Note: I purchased an older edition, a 1974 hardback, after finding that the newer editions, including the e-book versions, have been modernized. Unfortunately this modernization of language and scripture caused much of the clarity and beauty of the earlier edition to be lost.

[Nicholas S. Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome daily devotional,

highly recommend. You will not be unhappy with this devotional. It's a great straight forward and convicting at times inspirational at others.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are some great and encouraging devotions in here. But I was upset by the other devotions that contained doctrine and content I don't agree with.

[Emma Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living water

Truly refreshing to my soul. I love how the wisdom from the past saints can share with us in this generation.

[Dennis Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best devotionals. It is so encouraging! If you are struggling, enduring a trial, dealing with sorrow—and trial in life grace will be a balm to your soul as it flows from these pages.

[Mmtimes4 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Streams in the Desert is a powerful collection of meditations, Christian writings, and Scripture, and remains one of the most beloved devotionals of all time. This updated edition, however, offers even more, including Scripture, Subject, and Contributors Indexes.
Author L. B. Cowman thoughtfully and prayerfully chose the Scripture and penned or selected the meditations she knew would provide a river of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration to weary desert travelers. Those words are still clearly relevant in today's world, where people thirst more than ever for reassurance and guidance.

In this updated edition, however, editor Jim Reimann lovingly combines contemporary wording and precise NIV text to help introduce a whole new generation of believers to the timeless messages of God's faithfulness. Easy-to-read yet true to the essence of the original, this Streams in the Desert offers a refreshing daily dip into God's purpose, plan, and enduring promise.

And now this classic content takes on a classic look. The deluxe edition is bound in stunning Italian Duo-Tone---the perfect accent for the beautiful and ageless messages of hope found inside.

This devotion book at first really challenged me as I am not much of a poetry reader - not that it is just poetry. I found the devotions really applied to my life and gave me encouragement and insight.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is only decent as a devotional. If you're looking for a book of scriptures and meditations on them, this is not the book you want. But if you'd like to read spiritual thoughts on various subjects (that aren't very long), this is a good one. I'd say it's the "milk" the Word talks about. Very light spiritual reading, but pleasant as well. Not every day, but several times a week we will read something and it'll be profound.

Este libro está mas o menos como un devocional. Si busca un libro de escrituras y meditaciones en ellas, este no es el libro que quiere. Sin embargo, si quiere leer pensamientos espirituales acerca de varios temas (que no son muy largos), este es suficiente. En mi opinion es la "leche" de lo cual habla La Palabra. Lectura espiritual muy liviana, pero da gusto a veces. No todos los dias, mas varias veces en la semana leemos algo profundo.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was indeed a stream for me during a time of great tribulation for me. I had gone through great loss of health and relationships and surroundings and everything familiar. It exposes you to so much knowledge and wisdom each day. So many insights and with prose and poetry ontop of it. An example of poetry borrowed.
From The Heavenly Life.

The dark brown soil is turned
By the sharp-pointed plow;
And I've a lesson learned.

My life is but a field,
Stretched out beneath god's sky,
Some harvest rich to yield.

Where grows the golden grain?
Where faith? Where sympathy?
In a furrow cut by pain.

So much it can add to your life, comfort and understanding, wisdom, consolence. It was a lifeline that fed my spirit and soul stable nutrition each day. A blessed person is one who has this in his treasury.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One day while I was waiting to photograph a wedding, I found a 1925 edition of this book on a shelf at the country club. I sat down to read it just to pass the time until my bride was ready. It is a daily devotional with so many gems;complied by a Christian missionary who served in China. I had to have that book!!! After talking to the manager he agreed that I could have it IF I would replace it with another old book. (The books are simply there for the decor, not for reading.)I was surprised and thrilled to discover that the book has been reprinted. This book is for anyone who needs an occasional or even daily boost, to be reminded of ones blessings and the things that are truly important.

[Michelle Barringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely one of the best devotionals I've ever read! I've actually read this one three times! If you are going through trials, this book is for you! The fact that I have read this three times should be quite telling of how powerful and helpful it can be to help bring clarity, comfort, and acceptance when faced with difficult trials in life. And yes, that does describe my life over the last several years. I am very grateful God brought this particular book into my life at just right time (right after my husband was diagnosed with a rare and incurable blood disorder). Many days as I read these devotionals I felt as though The Lord was speaking right to me. There really are streams in the dessert!

[Louisa Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of daily reading is extraordinary. Written many years ago, it feels as though the author has written it just yesterday. The author was quoted saying 'I did not write Streams, God gave me streams' and I genuinely believe her.
It almost feels as though you are throwing an empty bucket into a very deep well and drawing up fresh daily water or, in this book, notes to really draw you near to God.
The wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and experience is incredible, driven by a heart clearly only beating to give God the glory this work has helped me through the most difficult of days over the last two years. It has watered my soul, given me peace and restored hope because it directs you to God and nothing else.

[Michael Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife and I read this every day. It was truly a stream in a desert for us during a time of great strife and persecution. This devotional book helped to bring us through those "desert" times and through God's word, propped us up when we thought that we'd fall.

Rev. Michael Duncan, Author
Shadows: Book of Aleth, Part One

[Paula J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless

This is a lovely devotional that is a part of my morning and evening routine. The entries are at times lyrical, poetic, straightforward, but always biblically insightful and encouraging. This devotional has and will continue to stand the test of time for the Christian believer. Highly recommend the morning/evening edition!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite daily devotional. I didn't realize I was in the "desert" until I started reading this book; finding I could relate to it and be truly blessed and encouraged by it. Each entry has nuggets of applicable inspiration. Try to read this everyday!

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent devotional ~ a classic in my opinion! The timely daily readings have been such an encouragement during times of testing. I would highly recommend it! Along with the Bible, it really is "Streams in the Desert". Joy for the Journey :)

[B. Morya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this while immersed in a very dark grief. There were times I felt it was a knife in my wound, but over all, it was a steady life line of words that emboldened and strengthened me during a weak and fragile time of loss.