Peace

I am loving Breaking Free by Beth Moore. I read this yesterday in my homework and it has been rolling around in my brain since.

¹⁷ This is what the LORD says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
¹⁸ If only you had paid attention to my commands,
your peace would have been like a river,
your well-being like the waves of the sea.
Isaiah 48:17-18 NIV

I don't recall ever noticing verse 17 before, but what a promise...He teaches and directs. And then the admonition in verse 18. As a parent, this one really struck a chord. "If only you had paid attention to my commands..."

I love what Beth wrote about the resulting peace. She points out the poignancy of peace being described as a river. Not a stagnant pond, but a moving, fluid river---this analogy really resonated with me.

"When God uses the analogy of a river, He described a peace that can be retained while life twists, turns and rolls over boulders...To have peace like a river is to have security and tranquility of heart and mind while meeting many bumps and unexpected turns on life's journey through change. Peace is submission to a trustworthy Authority..."
-Beth Moore

It brings new meaning to the song I learned as a child, "I've got peace like a river in my soul."