HOPE OF PEACE LIKE A RIVER

“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

God’s Word offers Believers the HOPE of PEACE LIKE A RIVER: “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. Then you shall feed; on her sides shall you be carried, and be dandled on her knees” (Isa.66:12). This last of Isaiah’s prophecies contains an oracle delivered after the temple in Jerusalem had been rebuilt following Israel’s return from exile. It describes the ultimate Victory of God, who will repay His enemies (vv.1-6); who comes with fire to deliver Jerusalem (v.7-11). Verse 12 is the Prophecy of Peace, not for Jerusalem alone, but also the Gentiles: “And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream.”  What does it mean to have peace like a river, especially when life’s circumstances are anything but peaceful?

The imagery of “Peace like a River” depicts the quiet, undisturbed serenity and tranquility that sitting beside a flowing river can bring; a quiet stillness and listening for God’s whisper. Another valuable interpretation is that the river simply finds a way to go around or over obstacles. It just keeps flowing and running continually. The water surges over rocks, logs, falls, or any other kind of debris. So, when we think of Peace like a river, we think of peace as something that can be continually flowing in our lives despite prevailing circumstances or obstacles in our path. God provides Peace like a river when we do His will; when we trust and obey. Then our hearts and minds can receive this unique Peace: “And the PEACE of GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7).

Isaiah 48:17-18 emphasize the place of obedience to God’s Word in experiencing Peace like a River: “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” (Isa.48:18). There is peace in obedient relationship with God. When we cling to and obey Him, we’ll find His Peace: “The work of righteousness will be PEACE, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever” (Isa.32:17). Our Heavenly Father, by His Spirit, helps us to rest, be still and follow His Word and His Will. Then, His Peace flows over us like a river and His Joy fills our hearts.

The essence of this Hope is that we as Believers in Christ can find Peace during turbulent times only as we keep our focus on God, His Word and His Promises: “You will keep him in PERFECT PEACE, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isa.26:3). So much of what we feel when turbulence is threatening, really depend on what we are focusing on. As we switch our perspective from negativity, to focus on true and positive thoughts, instead of fearful ones, we’re strengthened in Hope and Faith. As we focus our lives on the truths we know about God’s eternal Plans and immutable Purposes, we can echo the expression that everything will be all right in the end (Rom.8:28).

In the midst of turmoil, we can still experience the Peace of the Lord in our hearts: “PEACE I leave with you, MY PEACE I give to you...” (Jh.14:27a). It’s so gratifying to know that whatever life brings can be overcome through the enabling power of Jesus Christ. We can smile through the storm (Jh.16:33). This doesn’t suggest that whatever happens to us will be easy, stress-less, or pain-free; but it does help us to know there is always Hope and Help through the Saviour. God’s Peace can flow continually flowing in our hearts amidst life’s turmoil and turbulence. Wherever peace seems to be missing, our Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace, will fill us with a peace that transcends understanding.