There is a Hymn titled, ‘It is well with my soul’. Its inspiration is based on words found in Isaiah 48:18, “… your peace would have been like a river…”. It is all about God knowing what is best for us and guiding us. It is then, that our PEACE could be like a river.

There is something powerful, yet peaceful in a wide river. It often flows silently but with purpose and destiny. We all remember certain rivers… for me it is the mighty Murray River. and is the longest Australian river of some 2,508 kilometres. It begins in the Alps and finally enters the ocean at Goolwa in South Australia. It supplies valuable agricultural irrigation water, is a lifeline for communities and used for river sports and tourism.

There is of course that special ‘river of peace’ that God wants us to enjoy… God’s PEACE. His peace gives wholeness and healing completion in our lives affecting every aspect. It’s not just peace of mind, but also for personal safety and material prosperity.

Gideon found God’s peace when the angel of the Lord came to encourage him to fight the Midianites. When the angel burnt up his offering with supernatural fire, he was fearful. God then said, “… Peace! do not be afraid. You are not going to die.” (Judges 6:23-24). Gideon then built an alter and called it Jehovah Shalom, meaning ‘The Lord is Peace’.

It is wonderful to know Jesus as the Prince of Peace in our lives, (Isaiah 9:6). After his resurrection, he spoke special words three times to his disciples, “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19,21 & 26). Shlama… is the word for peace in Aramaic and means completeness or wholeness; as a greeting it wishes that nothing is broken or missing in the person.

How powerful this is… to know that Jesus comes to us in our broken lives, giving us his peace and making us whole!