Holding my husbands hand walking leisurely by the river, Justin, my 3 year old was climbing around on the small rocks along the edge of the path. I know that he is a little boy but he is my little boy and my nerves don't do well when he is doing these kinds of activities. Every time he slightly lost his balance I would gasp and dart toward him to his rescue. I don't really think the rescue was for him as much as it was for me, lol! With every scare I became more and more aware of the fact that it was ok! He never once fell but it was scary for me all the same! He loves to take his shoes off and wade to his little knees in the water. He can not swim so of course, being the mommy I am ;), I hold his hand the WHOLE time. Not to mention the rocks in the river are slippery from the green slim that coats them. Then there is the thought that if he fell on a rock he could hit his head. Can you tell I love my baby....lol!
But even thru all of these concerns and quick gasps for air I still was absolutely relaxed! I even said to my hubby, there is nothing in all the world that calms me like the sound of the river flowing. So I got to wondering what the scriptures said about a river and peace. Look what I found,
"Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer; The Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go. Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Isaiah 48:17-18
"For thus says the Lord; "Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream". Isaiah 66:12a
"Surely, He has borne our griefs and carrie our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him (Jesus Christ) the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:4-6
Well yeah of course there is peace when everything is going great but what about when the trials come? What if along the path of life there are "rocks" in the path and you lose your balance and stumble? Kind of how my little baby boy Justin was wobbling around all over the rocks. Look at these verses...
"My son, let them not depart from your eyes',keep sound wisdom and discretion; so they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck. Then you will walk safely in your way and your foot will not stumble, when you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror; nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught." Proverbs 2:21-26
"O you afflicted one, tossed with tempest and not comforted, behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, and lay your foundations with sapphires. I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gate of crystal, and all your walls of precious stones. All your children shall be taught by the Lord and great sall be the peace of your children. In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you. Indeed they shall surely assemble, but not because of me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake." Isaiah 54: 11-15
Does this mean that we are going to have a life of luxury and no problems? No!!! Does this mean we are going to literally have fine stones for a house? NO!! What these verses are saying is that when problems come along we will not be stressed because we know He can handle them. And he promises to be with us and give us peace. Listen to these verses...He tells us 2 times in these verses how we can have peace.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:6-9
So when I said there is nothing in this world that gives me peace like a river, I was right! The God that gives me peace is OUT OF THIS WORLD!