PEACE LIKE A RIVER

The  first verse of this age-old hymn, IT IS WELLWITH MY SOUL, says , "When peace like a river, attendeth my way. When sorrow like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, IT IS WELL, IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL."   For many of us that is hard to fathom as we struggle from one day to the next in the quandary of what is occurring in our world today. We ask ourselves, "Is there such a thing as peace; and if so, where can it be found?"

 I live two blocks from the Hiwassee River that runs through our small town of Hayesville, NC. I have walked by this gently flowing river and have truly felt a sense of calm and peace as it serenely winds its way along the gentle slopes of the river bed, making its way into Georgia. It is truly a peaceful experience as you watch the river cascade over fallen trees, broken limbs and large river rocks; however, after a few days of rain here in the mountains, this peaceful tributary becomes a raging, torrent of rushing water that sweeps anything and everything in its path to a different and unfamiliar place of rest...and that is the way the rivers that run through our lives do us...ever changing the landscape and taking away our calm, peaceful lives; often filling our lives with torment and pain.

 

 But we have someone who knows where and how the river will run...and He is always near to help us forge the river to get to the other side...to once again restore the calm and peace that keeps us sane. That peace allows us to lend a helping hand to others who do not know the peace that passes all understanding. I pray that you know that peace today and that you know the Author of all PEACE, JESUS CHRIST. If not, He is waiting for you to call upon His Name and to give your life to Him so that you may know HIS PEACE. Jesus said, " Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 NIV

 It is easy to be afraid in today's world...so much violence and bloodshed around the world, and often in our own towns and cities. But Christ came to bring peace to the troubled heart and to create in those who would follow Him, a NEW and GLORIFIED PERSON. That could be you TODAY...you just need to call out for Jesus...and if you need someone to introduce you,

 I WOULD LOVE TO MAKE THAT INTRODUCTION. If you already know HIM, then WONDERFUL...the poem that follows is to encourage and to share.  God Bless..

 

The River Of Life

 

The raging river of life flows

Uncharted around each bend

And you need not fear the journey,

If you know where the river ends.

 

The river flows to the throne of God

For those who know His grace;

You will find peace and sweet repose

When you look in the Savior's face.

 

Excerpt from HIS THOUGHTS, MY WORDS

A  Book of Poetry by W. PATRICK QUEEN