“Peace like a river, flowing so free, from heavenly mountains, sweeps over me; Joy like a
fountain, sparkling within, fills all my being with praise to Him.”
Peace like a river. Not a mad rushing thing that leaps from stone to stone and thunders
madly as it rushes to the sea; but rather a calm, peaceful, gentle flow that finds it’s way
among green pastures and through a tree bordered course to its final destination in the sea
of eternity.
This is more than a song, more than a beautiful soliloquy. This is a reality in a God-
centered life, my friend. It is in reality a mystery. It shall, at least until the sunrise of that
eternal day, remain a mystery. What are the elements that make for peace in the human
heart? God, faith, prayer, confidence, trust, assurance, rest, peace. “I cannot tell thee
whence it came, this peace within my breast but this I know, there fills my soul a strange
and tranquil rest.” “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. Oh what a foretaste of glory divine.”
This river, deep, broad and free flows silently on through the shadows of life and out into
the bright sunshine once more. A mighty force is this. It cannot be fully comprehended by
the mortal for it has its fountain head in God. From this divine source it flows powerfully
to the north, to the south, to the east and to the west, giving life to all it touches and peace
to those who sit on its banks.
This great river had its spiritual beginning in the very heart of God. It flowed out from the
bosom of eternity, through the mysterious reaches of dim dark ages hidden in the
mountains of time. It gathered strength and momentum until a mighty power at last it
burst its bounds at Mount Calvary and tumbled down into the ways of men. It flows
through the darkest regions of earth and is a place where every heart may find light. It
traverses burning deserts where weary pilgrims weak and faint from burning heat and
spiritual despair, may find at its banks new life and added strength for the journey yet
ahead.
Weary pilgrim, troubled soul, open your eyes and behold this miracle of God. Why die in
the dark despair? Before you is the river of God. A Voice speaks from heaven, “Ho every
one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters and drink.” Stoop low my friend and from those
cool sparkling depths draw that which is sufficient for thy needs. There is plenty to spare.
It shall never run dry, this great river of God. Lift up your eyes and see in the distance the
snow-clad peaks of eternity. There is the source of thy supply. From thence shall the flow
continue until every thirsty soul is satisfied, until the famished shall find new life at last.
My soul cries out “Oh river of God flow down on me. Oh river of God flow out through
me. Oh river of God, so rich so free, Oh river of God, I call on thee.” What have I said?
River of God flow out through me? Yes, yes, even this is true. From within those who
believe shall fountains spring up, pure waters of eternal life. Joy like a fountain sparkling
within. One day the promise was given, “From within shall flow rivers of living water.”
Rivers, abundance, no lack here. God is great. His promises are true. No good thing will
He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Take courage my weary friend. Here is the promise of life. God is true and faithful
altogether. Sit down by faith just now on the banks of this river called peace and there let
thy weary soul be satisfied.
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