Peace Like A ….

Raise your hand if you said river.  Bonus points if you hummed. Triple bonus if you sang all the verses out loud.  True story: Years ago my music-ministering hubby was leading worship on a Sunday evening in Virginia and Peace Like a River was on the set list.  In his very best Cliff Barrows (Google him if you have no idea what I’m talking about) he belted out, “I’ve got peace like a river….” Just one teeny tiny little problem.  The words might have been “peace like a river” but the tune was “gimme that old time religion.” If you have a moment, please try this in your head. It’s all fun and games until you get to the part where “in my soul” and “it’s good enough for me” face off in a epic clash.  By this point the now famous comedienne (some of y’all know who I’m talking about) who was at the piano had realized what was happening, stopped playing altogether and was laying over sideways on the bench. Dear hubby did what Cliff surely would have – finished with a resounding “and it’s good enough for me” accompanied by a sideways fist pump then stopped singing and proceded to lead the congregation in a rousing chorus of laughter.  Historians in the future may very well point to this moment as the origin of the mash up.

I realize that the above may be absolute gibberish without my generational, cultural and even regional frame of reference.  There is a point, however, that is universal: we are all looking and longing for peace – rivers of it, yes – in our souls.

The turn of phrase “peace like a river” comes from Isaiah:  “For this is what the LORD says: ‘I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees.'” (66:12)  Doesn’t that sound wonderful? Peace and wealth, always a winning combo. And for those if us who are just slap tired of adulting, a return to the time when somebody nurtured and carried us and bounced us on their knee.  No heavy responsibilities and cares. No disappointments. No striving. The proverbial easy button.

Admittedly, there are times when peace does roll down to wash away our anxieties.  Times when we feel like we are being carried.  But what about the times when the river slows to a trickle and all but dries up?  What then?

When you trust God but you’re moving across the country in a few days and there are some really important details that have not yet fallen into place.  What then?

When you know it’s time to walk away from a bad situation but have no idea where you’re walking to.  (I know… grammar. Also know… creative license.) What then?

(Insert your situation) What then?

For me, all I know to do is gather up what peace I can find, whether a river-full or puddle-full, and slosh around in it.  Whatever that looks like. Maybe it’s a verse scrawled on a 3×5 tucked in the mirror. Or a song on repeat – over and over and over and over.  Or the morning text that reminds you somebody’s out there thinking and praying. Even the teary phone call with one of your tribe. Squeeze out every last peace-piece and soak it up at soul level.   And as soon as possible, start ticking off this to-do list:

Look for things to celebrate.  Then look for some more.

Be kind.

Intentionally substitute prayer for worry.

Find something to be thankful for.  Anything . God’s amazing grace. Chocolate.  Coffee.

Expect to see results such as:  inexplicably enlarged peace-puddles; protected hearts; settled minds.

How is this possible, you say?  Simple, really. We are not alone – the Lord is near.  The Lord is NEAR. The LORD is near. THE LORD IS NEAR.  And that, my friends, is more than good enough for me.

[Checklist credit:  Letter from a guy named Paul to the good folks in Phillipi.   “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Phil 4:4-7)]