Perfect Peace
Ephesians 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
A river is used to illustrate God’s perfect peace in the hymn below. In the photo above, it is apparent that a beautiful river can be a very peaceful setting. During ancient times and in the early days of exploration and settling of the United States, rivers were a source of much needed water for people and their livestock. After a long days journey, it must have been a peaceful and refreshing time when pilgrims camped by a river.
Paul used the above Scripture blessing seven times in his epistles. Saints can rest in the spiritual peace that comes from the trust they have in God’s providence and sovereignty. Christians are hidden and safe in His blessed hand as the hymn below states. There is no worry or no fear for God’s redeemed when their focus is on their spiritual and eternal condition. Brethren, this is God’s perfect peace and it is like a river glorious. Praise God that Christians will have an eternal home of perfect peace and rest as they are camped forever by that great river glorious. How do worldly concerns compare with such a great salvation? In Romans 8:18 Paul summed it up really well when he said, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Let us be ever mindful and meditate with thanksgiving and praise on our spiritual destination where we will have perfect peace.
Like A River Glorious
Words by: Frances Havergal
Like a river glorious, is God’s perfect peace,
Over all victorious, in its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth, fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it groweth, deeper all the way.
Refrain….
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.
Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.
Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully all for us to do.
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.
3 comments:
This peaceful stream is on the Natchez Trace not too far from Natchez, Mississippi.
It's the Holy Spirit who is this pure river. Jesus said if you thirst come and drink, and rivers will flow from our bellies.
Good post. Great hymn. I love singing these words.
The Lord has given His people so much, all the rich hymns (old & new), and edifying books and now teachings on blogs, and DVD's, and on and on it flows to us, and for our santification and edifying.
And in the midst is this great river of life, many have left for a shallow creek of culture form Christianity.
Help us Father. Amen.
Don,
Great point about all the resources we have to learn. We are truly without excuse.
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