Peace Like a River

Week 14, Wednesday

Tammy Ethridge

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. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:17-18

How many times as a mother and teacher have I warned my children of hurt, danger, or certain death? Stay on the sidewalk, buckle your seatbelt, be careful with the scissors, put on sunscreen, and the list goes on and on. As we teach our children or students what is best for them, so the Father, our Redeemer, teaches us what is best and directs us in the way we should go. He doesn’t set us out on a blind path with no instruction or direction.

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Isaiah 30:21 reminds, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” The only way to find His direction is to spend time with Him. Read His word, asking Him to speak to you, to guide you to promises He has for you, to instruct you in His ways. Talk with Him about everything, then just sit still before Him and wait and listen for His still small voice speaking. You will not be disappointed. He delights in spending time with you.

In Isaiah 48:18 God declares, “If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea” (emphasis added). Many times we “wake up” and wonder in amazement why we have no peace. Just as we look at our children and say, “If only you had listened to what I was saying and gone in the direction I was leading, then peace and righteousness would be flowing in your life.” The incredible, amazing thing is that it is never too late to start today. Ask God for forgiveness—He is faithful and just to cleanse you from all unrighteousness . . . and you’ll be singing the little song that says, “I’ve got peace like a river. I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.”

Lord, please forgive me for the times I haven’t listened to You. Guide me on the right paths so that peace will flow through my life. Amen.