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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: River (08/31/06)
TOPIC: River

TITLE: A Channel of Peace

Isaiah 48:18 — Had you listened to my commandments, your peace would have been like a river . . .

“Peace like a river.” Just what kind of peace would that be, I wondered, as I reflected upon the ancient verse.

It doesn’t say, “peace like a pond,” which would suggest the idea I’ve always had about peace — a perfect stillness.

But the peace I need in a turbulent world of terrorists, cancer, violent crime, blatant disregard for human life, drug addiction and an impending pandemic flu needs to be more dynamic than that.

I need peace that can flow enthusiastically over obstacles, always cascading in fresh, clear, frothy splashes.

Peace like a river.

Every running, ever moving, delivering its life-sustaining cargo from one reservoir to another.

When I am troubled, I need a life-sustaining cargo of strength and resolve. As each day brings new challenges, I need a channel bearing mercy and truth and a love that never fails.

A river is made up of many parts pushed along by a steady force.

The peace I need in times of conflict needs many resources. I need patience to wait for the right moment to apologize. I need grace to accept an apology. I need hope that this time of trouble will pass. I need faith to believe that this time of adversity will make me stronger. I need a river of healing mercies to replenish my battered soul. I need to be a channel of healing mercies to others.

A river shelters many living things — flighty minnows, testy crayfish, slow-moving turtles, poisonous water snakes.

The peace I need in maintaining healthy relationships needs to accommodate all different types of personalities. Peace that prevails over unpredictable temperaments and nurtures patience and perseverance.

The force of a river erodes the rocks beneath, but generously deposits silt and sand to form new ones.

The peace I need in times of God’s chastening flows with the confidence that knows He desires only to remove rough edges and deposit the makings of new attitudes and stronger character traits.

A river carries away debris.

When my life has been tainted by sin, I need a peace that washes over my soul and cleans away the guilt and remorse. A peace that flows in with clean, new water that refreshes me. Restores me. Renews me.

When it’s all been said and done, and Death lays his clammy hand upon my forehead, I need peace — like a river — to carry a trusting soul into the arms of a gentle Savior.

When I look into the face of the One who purchased my soul with a river of His own precious blood, I will know the “peace that passes all understanding.”

Peace . . .

Like a river.
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This article has been read 829 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Marilyn Schnepp 
09/09/06
Just Beautiful! And I write this with streams of tears flowing from my eyes. Beautiful things do this to me, and your words were so encouraging and peaceful to an Earthling who lives in our chaotic world today. Yes, peace like a river...Very well written, very creative and I loved every emotion it took from me. Great Job
Donna Haug
09/11/06
I started reading this entry a little reluctant because I thought I was in for a scholarly, dry teaching. But it turned out to be descriptive, thoughtful, and deep. Only one little quibble: "Every running, ever moving" - probably a typo - should be 'Ever running'. Such a minor point. Good work.