When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul
For thus says the LORD: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you shall feed; on her sides shall you be carried, and be dandled [bounced] on her knees. . .” (Is. 66:12.)
Man has chosen his own way. His soul delights in his abominations. He does evil before God and chooses that which God does not desire. The Lord, the One Whose throne is in heaven and His footstool on earth, says to rejoice with Jerusalem. His compassion and care toward His children are likened to a loving mother who delights in her little baby bouncing him on her knee. God’s hand will be known to His child, recipient of God’s presence, His comfort and peace. His enemies will undergo His indignation, anger, fury, and rebuke; consuming them like an unquenchable fire when His glory is revealed. In times past Assyria swept over Israel like an overwhelming flood to destroy her (Is. 8:7-8), but now the glory of the whole Gentile world will triumph, enriching lives and exalting God. Now the children of God must travail in pain as a woman giving birth, but the day is coming when all shall worship Him in holiness and truth.
God will pour out His peace—or prosperity—like a river overflowing the riverbanks, flowing from a never-ending fountain. As a loving mother tenderly cares for her afflicted infant with affection and compassion, so will God show His affection toward us. The gospel shows the way, bringing with it a river of peace that the world cannot give. A river that will carry us to the ocean of boundless endless delight in our God. Divine comforts reach our inward being as the joy of the Lord will strengthen us. It is our nature to take the promises of God without consideration of our own sinfulness. Hope and joy are ours when we look into His eyes and laugh with Him as He bounces us on His knee, His eyes are fixed on us, His beloved little ones.
Are you going through a difficult time? Where are your eyes focusing? Is the looming problem overshadowing your loving Father Who tenderly cares for you? Though you cannot see it now, this obstacle is there to build your faith and trust in the Great I AM. His arms are strong, His heart steadfast. Certainly, He Who created you—He Who charted out all the days of your life before you took your first breath—is able to guide you through the stormy waters you are now encountering. Let your prayer today be, “When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.”