Reflection:
I love the way words can sometimes conjure up wonderful images in our minds, so when the phrase “Peace, Like a River” came into my mind I was immediately captured by the phrase.
We all know what a river is of course, but how do we apply the word ‘Peace’ to it? We know that a river starts with a source, with a spring, and it flows from there. We like the idea of the river flowing smoothly, meandering calmly through lush meadows, nourishing all around it as it flows; is that where the peace comes from?
However, at other times it eddies and it whirls, it goes round and round and round, tripping over the rocks wildly. It encounters obstacles; yet it flows on — around, under, or over these barriers.
Through all this, the river never stops. It flows throughout, it is renewed constantly; it endures, and maybe that constant and never-ending flow is where peace is found?
With this picture of a river in our minds, we can see how the idea of peace as a river mirrors some of the characteristics of God.
Firstly, Abundance and Continuity: Just as the river flows continuously, God’s peace is portrayed as an enduring force; abundant and unending.
Secondly, God’s Provision and Care for us: The imagery of a river suggests provision and sustenance. In biblical times, rivers were vital sources of water, essential for life and prosperity and nourishing the environment around them. They still are.
And thirdly, Restoration and Hope: In Isaiah’s writing, the promise of peace like a river is associated with themes of transformation, restoration and hope, reflecting God’s ultimate plan for redemption. This promise is something we can enter into for ourselves. It’s also important to recognise that the context in which Isaiah was speaking was one of uncertainty, war and persecution, and we have to own that – it’s important to honour the context in which Isaiah was writing. This week marks the beginning of the fourth year of the war in Ukraine – and we are all aware of other conflicts across the world – so we should, as Isaiah did, be praying and asking God to intervene.
I’ll leave you with these words, taken from a famous hymn – written by Horatio Spafford – based on this verse from Isaiah:
“When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul.”
Meditation: If possible, find a quiet corner somewhere and play this song:
There’s a delightful spelling mistake in the written lyrics on this version – I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Don’t let it distract you though. What does this song say to you? How does it make you feel? Let God speak to you in it, let Him touch your heart, find Him in the river, He’s waiting for you there…
Reading: Isaiah 48:16-19, 21-22 (NIV)
16 “Come near me and listen to this: “From the first announcement I have not spoken in secret; at the time it happens, I am there.” And now the Sovereign Lord has sent me, endowed with his Spirit.
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. 19 Your descendants would have been like the sand, your children like its numberless grains; their name would never be blotted out nor destroyed from before me.” …
21 They did not thirst when he led them through the deserts; he made water flow for them from the rock; he split the rock and water gushed out.
22 “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.”
