Peace Like a River
Today’s Verse:
For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees. ~Isaiah 66:12
There is something that is special about sitting or standing and observing bodies of water. For instance, standing at the shoreline of an ocean and watching its waves inspires me about the power of God. Ocean waves can be very powerful and instill a sense of awe concerning the vastness of the ocean body and depths. Standing and looking over a lake instills a sense of security and confidence as I watch the normally predictable waves. However, standing and watching the gentle flow of a river during the Summer and Fall months instills a serenity, tranquility and peace that I want to linger within me as long as possible. God speaks of a peace like a river in our devotion this morning.
There is the quest for peace.
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Jesus presented the reality that life in this world will entail tribulation.” I encounter so many people, even among Christians, whose lives are upside down in anxiety, worry, fear and even depression. From a personal level, all of these emotional disturbances are a form of tribulation. These tribulations result in sleeplessness, loss of appetite, distracted attention, loss of desire, withdrawal, and panic attacks. So, in the quest for peace, they are trying to find it in medications, illegal substances, alcohol consumption, eastern meditation, illicit relationships and abandonment of family and friends. Are you someone trying to find long term and satisfying peace?
There is the qualifying of peace.
First, we must accept the person of peace. Jesus said, “that in me ye might have peace.” Peace is found in our relationship with Christ as our Savior and our Lord. As Lord, we must give Him control over our problems. Second, we must attain the position of peace. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Justification is attained when we repent of our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. Upon acceptance of Christ as Savior, only then is there peace with God. This peace of God brings us reconciliation through the blood of Christ. Third, we must approach the plan for peace. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Prayer is when we commit our anxieties, cares, fears, tribulations and worries to God. This is God’s formula for dealing with our overwhelming situations.
We see the quality of peace.
“For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river…” Peace like a river is calming, medicinal, restful, satisfying, soothing, tranquil, and unwinding. It helps us to think clearly, see clearly and gives us a spiritual recharge. It is realizing that God is in control and not the trial or trouble. It is when we have allowed the grace of God to be sufficient for our need. There are two volumes of peace God wants us to have. The first is great peace when we love His law and we allow nothing to offend us, Psalm 119:165. The second is perfect peace when our minds are stayed on God because we trust in Him, Isaiah 26:3.
Do you have peace like a river? Claim it today and don’t let the troubles you are going through rob you of this precious gift!
Have a peaceful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Numbers 28-30