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peace like a river with picture of flood

Do you remember the kids’ song, “I’ve Got Peace Like a River?” Right now I am sitting by D’lo Creek, but it looks like a river. Because of recent rain, the brown water is flowing swiftly, and loudly. The current that usually cascades over shallow rocks is zooming through the flooded trees. The rocks rest far underwater. I am listening to the sounds of the rushing water and various southern birds enjoying the warm spring sun. This is one of my happy places. I love to sit in nature to think, write, plan, & pray.

Sounds idyllic, right?

Did I forget to mention the sun is in my eyes? Or that along with the peaceful sounds of nature, I hear cars in the distance, a leaf blower buzzing, a park worker raking, and the roar of an airplane? And, someone just pulled up playing loud country music from his car!

In the creek many trees surrounded by flowing water stand oblivious to the flood, but one little tree is shaking violently. This thin sapling leans in the direction of the water flow. It precariously holds on by its roots, threatening to let go and flow down the creek at any moment.

The beautiful scene makes me think that writer of that old kid’s song didn’t know much about rivers. They flow peacefully, then they rage violently. In some spots they slip smoothly by while in other places they trip over rocks wildly.

But maybe the peace of a river isn’t in the ever-changing current, but in the consistent flow. Here, the water never stops. It is constantly flows, renewed every second no matter how rough the circumstances. The water nourishes and gives life to those stalwart trees and to the little shaking sapling.

Jesus said He gives peace, and not the kind of peace the world gives.

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27 NASB1995

God’s peace certainly doesn’t mean a life free from troubles. The rough currents and storms often flood our lives, but God renews His peace each moment. His peace washes over us when we stand firm and, when shaking, we hold on for dear life!

prayer cross icon with Philippians 4:6-7

Hold on to His promise, dear friend. Remember, the words of Philippians 4:6-7.

“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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NASB1995

Come to God with your worries, thanksgiving, and requests. Receive His peace that passes all understanding. Trust that His peace is flowing around you on the days you stand firm and on the days you feel shaken to your core.

Then sing it. Go ahead. Out loud. I am. (A train is passing now!)

“I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.” Repeat!

“For thus says the LORD, “Behold, I extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; And you will be nursed, you will be carried on the hip and fondled on the knees.” Isaiah 66:12 NASB1995

Do you have the ever-flowing river of life flowing in you? See Know Jesus or What is the Gospel Anyway for more about knowing the One who is a constant stream of peace through the storms and floods of life.