The fact that the narrative in John 7:39 goes on to identify the Living Water as the Holy Spirit and it was the Holy Spirit that flowed out of the belly of those who had gathered to wait for His baptism in Acts 2:4, confirms the gift of tongues is the Living Water Jesus referred to in John 7.
This being the case, it stands to reason that all believers in Jesus should go on to believe on Jesus and allow rivers of tongues to flow over their lips. If Jesus can be trusted, the world could sure use some Living Water about now and it will take a deluge to make much difference. Perhaps this is why Jesus used the term "river." How long would one have to pray in tongues before a river will have flowed?
The term "river" speaks of volume. It is interesting to note that Jesus did not use the term "creek," which is a lesser flow of water than a "river." Likewise, Jesus did not use the term "stream" or "spurt," which is a still lesser flow. Neither did He use the terms "dribble" or "drip." On the other side, Jesus did not use the term "ocean" or "lake." Jesus used the term river to denote the volume of tongues that believers on Him would allow to flow out of their bellies.
The Greek word translated "river" has a two-fold meaning. It speaks of a primary flow of water, but it also means "to drink." It is curious to me how one word can have both meanings. However, to drink of the Holy Spirit is to allow Him to flow out of your belly. This is exactly what Jesus was saying in John 7:38. He was admonishing believers on Him to drink of the Living Water regularly by allowing Him to flow out of their spirits
Perhaps we should check our faith. Are we believing in Jesus, the same belief we used to receive everlasting life? Or are we believing on Jesus, a totally separate and different belief.
I wonder what would happen if all believers in Jesus were to allow rivers of the gift of tongues to flow out of their bellies? If what Jesus said were true, rivers of Living Water would flow over the country side and through the cities and towns. Since Living Water is the presence and power of God, we would have ourselves one fine revival and we could restore this great nation to God's original intent and convince thousands of Jesus' resurrection.
It takes great faith to believe that something as foolish as the gift of tongues could be the key to revival, but does the scripture not tell us that God will use the foolish things to confound the wise?
Just something to think about.