How to Find Peace Like a River

"This is what the LORD says--

your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:

'I am the LORD your God,

who teaches you what is good for you

and leads you along the paths you should follow.

Oh, that you had listened to my commands!

Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river

and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.'"

Isaiah 48:17-18 NLT

It makes me feel better the moment I sit down to observe it's quiet strength.  As the waters flow past my feet I reflect on its mighty power, its faithful supply of water, its steadiness.  There is no panic found there, no worry that the river will dry up and cease to exist, no effort on the river's part to ensure the water will continue to come.  No, there is only a steady calm, a quietness as the millions of drops of water flow faithfully downstream.  And my heart becomes steady and calm as I sink into this serene atmosphere.

I want peace like this river in the midst of the strife that is found as I live life in this broken world.  I want harmony with God and others.  I want tranquility deep within my soul. Is there a way to find such peace?  Yes, it is available by turning away from the sin that comes so naturally to me and by putting on the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, the One who took my sins upon Himself so that I might be free from such a burden that leads me to eternal death (1 Peter 2:24,John 3:16, Romans 13:14).  And in Christ I have peace.  Even so, I sometimes lack the peace I crave.  Why?

Good.  "God is good all the time, all the time God is good."

            "God is good, God is great, let us thank Him for this food.  Amen!"

            "Life is hard but God is good!"

There are many slogans plastered on the back of cars, used at the dinner table or boldly proclaim throughout cyberspace, but do I really believe this foundational truth?  Do I live as if God is good? Or is the way I live my life telling a different story, declaring another testimony?

God teaches what is good.  He shows me where I'm off, how I cling to what is destructive and unhealthy, the ways I've learned to cope that are not what He meant for me.  In fact, He uses every situation I encounter, all the garbage I wade through in a typical day to bring about His best for me (Romans 8:28).  Since He is such a beneficial God, I can always trust His lessons and believe in Him as a source for good in my life.  Still, I often find myself straying, getting distracted by alternate messages, or listening to worldly advice that sounds good but is contrary to God's best for me.  I have to remember there is a difference between the good of God and the bad that is found everywhere else.  God is the only source of good (James 1:17).

If I want peace like a river I must be dedicated to only relying on what comes from Him.

Paths.  There are many paths from which to choose.  I usually prefer the easy more populated routes, the common, the well-traveled and worn trail.  Yet I can't choose which way to go based on my own instincts or perspectives (Proverbs 3:5-6).  As one who is saved by the grace of God through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, I have a Shepherd who leads me where He wants me to go.

When I follow the Good Shepherd, I find myself on paths of righteousness that make Him look good and reflect well upon His good name (Psalm 23:3).  The way may be narrow and the going a bit rocky at times, but I will always be headed toward Life when I let Jesus lead (Matthew 7:13-14).  No matter how difficult the journey becomes, I will experience peace in the presence of my Lord and Savior.  I can't wander off the narrow path, away from His lordship, and expect peace.  I will only find discord and strife away from the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

If I want peace like a river I must keep my eyes on Jesus as He leads me down the path that leads to Life.

Listen.  "Pay attention, please!"  It may be one of the most common phrases uttered by school teachers everywhere.  When sitting in a classroom, it's easy for children to become distracted and for young minds to wander off when enduring a lesson.  I have to admit, though, it's not just children that struggle with paying attention.  It's often difficult for me to stay focused on a lesson when I'm listening to a teaching or sermon.  The human mind can easily stray.

For this reason, I must realize I'm prone to drift away from God and miss His directives in my life.  Sometimes I'm simply not paying attention and the message He has for me goes right past me.  Other times I'm too busy and am unable to hear Him over the din of activity.  Then there are the times when I'm afraid to learn what He has for me or I resist finding out what His latest message is for me and I simply ignore Him.  I can't avoid His voice and expect to find peace.  Only in heeding His lessons and submitting to His direction will I find quiet in my heart.

If I want peace like a river I must pay attention to Jesus and listen to His commands.  

Living in relationship with God through repentance and faith in Jesus is the only path to peace.  Still, I have to admit that tranquility and harmony do not always rule my heart.  Why doesn't God protect me from such feelings?  He cannot be mocked, I will always reap what I sow (Galatians 6:7-8).  If I stray away from His indwelling Spirit that teaches me what is good, guides me down the right path, and requires that I listen carefully,  I will sacrifice the peace that comes through Christ.  How do I find peace like a river?  Stick with Jesus, that's how (John 14:27)!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to follow Him closely.

When do I stray away then wonder why I'm filled with strife and anxiety?

How do I listen to the wrong messages?     

Finding Wisdom

"The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

for gaining wisdom and instruction;

for understanding words of insight;

for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,

for doing what is right and just and fair;

for giving prudence to those who are simple,

knowledge and discretion to the young--

let the wise listen and add to their learning,

and let the discerning get guidance--

for understanding proverbs and parables,

the sayings and riddles of the wise.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Proverbs 1:1-7

I wonder if there is a magic formula:  If I do a certain thing or live a specific way, it will be mind.  I study tomes of godly instruction, looking for it.  I'm told it comes with age and experience.  But if I really want to find wisdom, I need look no further than God.

Treasure Commands.  I think I sometimes get a little mixed up.  Knowing I am saved by grace and realizing I'm set free from following the commands of God in order to save myself, I get the idea that His law is not important (Romans 7:4, Galatians 5:1).  That I can throw His statutes out the window.  That there is no longer any need for paying attention to His regulations.

Then I stumble upon 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and find that all of God's Word is from His mouth and "is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."  So I learn to take His law seriously, realizing these commands are a window into the heart of God, giving me insight into what is important to Him.  When I cherish all of scripture, including His law, I will find wisdom from God.  While it does not save me, God's law is included in the Bible for a reason, and therefore is meant to be appreciated.

I will find wisdom when I treasure God's commands.

Attentive Ear and Inclined Heart.  I tend to reach a point when I've had enough.  It's not that I think I know it all, but rather that I've learned so many new things I wonder if there could be anything more.  My world is often so rocked by fresh insight into God's ways that I think I can't possibly take any more in, that there is no more room for growth, that I need a respite from being stretched and pushed.  

But it seems that God is never at rest when it comes to my sanctification (Philippians 1:6).  He is always at work showing me new insight into His heart, a higher perspective when it comes to suffering, a alternative viewpoint of this world and His kingdom.  Since He is always at work, it makes sense that I should stay hungry for more.  If I reach a point of satiation, when I push myself away from His bountiful table, I am shutting myself off from receiving more insight into His kingdom.  

Therefore, it is important that I keep my ear trained on hearing more of His lessons and my heart open to receiving what He has for me.  Perhaps this is why Jesus often said, "Whoever has ears, let them hear (Mark 4:9, Matthew 11:15)."  Only those who were hungry for more of what He had to offer would be able to catch the lesson He was teaching.  And the same is true for me today.

I will find wisdom when I keep my ear attentive to His messages and my heart inclined toward receiving what He has for me.

Seeking.  Sometimes I'm only looking for what will help me get ahead.  Or I pick and choose what I really want to know. Or I have my radar up for what will help me in my current dilemma. If there is wisdom regarding a subject that doesn't interest me or that I judge as unimportant at this time of my life, I easily toss it aside as insignificant.

Instead, I would be better off adopting the attitude of a hunter, constantly seeking for godly insight, searching for it like a treasure hunter looks for hidden fortunes even if it doesn't seem to apply to me.  When a nugget of wisdom is found, I can hold onto it even if it makes no sense to me at this time, trusting that God will use it for my good and His glory.  In time I will see it's importance and it may help me realize that everything isn't about me.  Sometimes its good to take myself out of the picture altogether and simply be content to learn more about God's incredible character.

I will find wisdom when I seek for God's insight and understanding apart from my own life application.

Education is big in today's culture and I often lump wisdom in with knowledge that can be acquired.  But if I truly want godly insight and understanding to be mine, I must treasure God's commands, cultivate an attentive ear and inclined heart, and seek His wisdom as if it were the greatest treasure.  When I practice these ways, I will find wisdom that comes from God.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to take His commands as important, even if it doesn't seem to apply to me.

When do I toss parts of God's Word aside because I can't relate to it?

How am I careless with scripture I don't see as relevant?

Choose to Listen

"Therefore say to the children of Israel:

'I am the LORD;

I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians,

I will rescue you from their bondage,

and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm

and with great judgments.

I will take you as My people,

and I will be your God.

Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God

who brings you out from under the burdens

of the Egyptians.

And I will bring you into the land which I swore

to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob;

and I will give it to you as a heritage:

I am the LORD.'

So Moses spoke thus to the children of Israel;

but they did not heed Moses,

because of their anguish of spirit

and cruel bondage."

Exodus 6:6-9 NKJV

The days on the calendar stretched before me like a never-ending chasm, separating me from my husband and one-year-old daughter.  The bond I shared with our first-born was so strong that I couldn't imagine spending one night away from her, let alone dozens as the doctors prescribed. 

As an active young mother who relished the fresh air of outdoors, I savored my long daily walks shared with my baby-daughter in her stroller as we explored the area within our neighborhood or on the path circling the nearby lake.   Now, laying in the hospital bed at barely 24 weeks-gestation awaiting the birth of our triplet daughters, I fell into a state of discouragement.  How could I stay confined to this bed, alienated from the ones I love for the remainder of my pregnancy?

It was hard for me to listen to the doctor's orders when I was in such a state of discouragement and bondage.  It is similar with me and God.  Sometimes I cannot even take in His great promises because of the condition of my heart.

Discouragement

Grains of sand gritted against his skin, mixing with the tears that streamed down his face.  Rolling over to shield his eyes from the unrelenting wind, the solitary man was careful to stay within the confines of the narrowly shaded area of the thorny bush under which he lay.  A groan escaped his lips as his exposed leg met the unforgiving hardness of a pointy rock.  "Why can't I just die?  I'm as good as dead, anyway.  I've had enough, Lord!"  (1 Kings 19:1-4)

Elijah hit a low-point in his life, knowing that the evil Jezebel was out to kill him.  Thinking all hope was gone, the formerly brazen and faithful prophet became depressed.

Like Elijah, it is easy for me to become disheartened when things seem impossible.  When I'm focused on the difficulty of the circumstances, I tend to fall into the depths of despair, making it nearly impossible for me to hear God speak of His great promises.

When my heart is in anguish, it is hard for me to listen to the mighty words of God.

Cruel Bondage

Day after day he labored for his master's benefit.  Despite no wrong-doing of his own, he found himself enslaved to another in a foreign country.  He worked hard, living up to the teaching of his father without knowing if he'd ever see him or the rest of his family again.  Joseph's life was not going the way he had imagined it would.  (Genesis 39)

It is hard to see the goodness of God when I'm stuck in a situation I didn't anticipate.  Perhaps its the sudden death of a loved one, the end of a marriage, or the onset of disease.  Whatever the situation which burdens me, it can distract me from the message of hope God speaks into my life through His uplifting promises.

When I feel bound by difficult circumstances or unexpected tragedies, it is hard for me to listen to the great promises of God.

Choose to Listen

Whether I am sinking into a pit of despair or under the weight of an overwhelming load, I can choose to listen to the Truth of God's powerful guarantees as given to His people as they labored under the heavy hand of the Egyptians.

God promises me freedom from that which weighs me down, giving me a chance to live wholeheartedly for Him. (Galatians 5:1)  He also gives me the assurance of redemption from the jaws of death through faith in Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:14)  In addition, the God of love promises my adoption into His family based on His compassion for me as His child. (1 John 3:1)  And most importantly, I am brought under His lordship as the sovereign Lord of all creation. 

When I choose to listen, I hear of the wonderful promises God offers to me.

Just as I had a hard time heeding the voice of my doctors when they kept me hospitalized for the good of my unborn triplets, discouragement and bondage can work against the message of  hope God has for me.  If, despite the difficulties, I choose to listen to what God has to say, I will find the Truth that will bring a full, meaningful life; salvation from certain death; inclusion into His family; and submission to a God who loves me.  This is the message that comes from intentionally preferring God in the midst of the hard times of life.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will turn away from discouragement and bondage and toward God.

How do I let my feelings of despair keep me away from God and His promises?

When am I held back in life because I choose to let my circumstances get me down?