When Peace Like a River Attends My Soul

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by Nan Jones @NanJonesAuthor

I sat along the river’s edge beneath the shade of a willow leaning precariously across the water smooth as glass. The glint of sunshine twinkled and skipped as the river coursed through the mountain gorge carrying my thoughts with its never-ending flow.

I thought about God.

I thought about life’s twists and turns, its burdens heavy, its forward motion sure and constant as it stumbles across debris that clutters the heart.

Life goes on.

Just like the river.

His tender watchcare cloaks us in His perfect peace.

And just like the river flowing without ceasing, the presence of God’s peace is with us always … if we look for it expectantly.

I thought of the difficult places the Lord has brought me through — places I thought I may not survive. Broken pieces of my life cluttered my heart and stabbed at my soul, but all along God’s peace was there, covering me like a comforting blanket. Now, I can see the touch of His hand smoothing over the places that rippled, covering the ugly debris with His grace.

He has attended my soul well.

His tender watchcare cloaked in His perfect peace has been my constant companion.

Even when I wasn’t aware.

Even when I kept trying to carry the weight alone.

when peace like a river attends my soul

His peace is not as the world gives — His peace is life-sustaining as only the Father can give. It comforts. Restores. Sustains. We don’t earn it. It’s not some pollyanna thought that is out of reach.

It is a gift already given.

We just need to open the gift.

As the river flowed past me I realized that in my moment of melancholy, I sought the river’s edge for a peaceful respite from a troublesome day. I have also learned to seek the Father in my troublesome moments.

When we seek Him we will find Him …

Our perfect peace like a river attending our soul.

Nan Jones

Nan Jones is an author/speaker who uses the words of her heart to assist fellow Christians in discovering the Presence of God in their darkest hour. She has been published in several anthologies as well as the online inspirational sites Christian Devotions, and Inspire a Fire where she is a monthly contributor. She is also a monthly contributor to PW Connections, a blog and forum to encourage pastors' wives. Nan has had the honor of being featured as a guest blogger on several sites. She is thrilled to announce her debut book, The Perils of a Pastor's Wife released June 30, 2015 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. This memoir was a 2016 Selah finalist. When Nan isn't writing, she enjoys leading prayer retreats, bible studies or sharing God’s love as keynote speaker for special events. She is becoming known by her brand: "Even so, I walk in the Presence of the Lord" as she teaches her audience to go beyond the veil to find God's Presence. You may visit Nan at her website: www.NanJones.com. Nan has also created a facebook community page, Seeing Beyond The Veil, to provide a place for folks to go and get away from the chaos for a few moments and focus on Jesus through scripture, worship, testimony, and inspirational quotes. For personal communication you may email Nan at nan@nanjones.com The Perils of a Pastor's Wife is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and LPC Bookstore

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4 comments

  2. I love this beautiful, thought-provoking word about God’s provision. Your comparison of life and the river says it all. The river is ever-flowing and beautiful, like life’s twists and turns, both have a way of revealing God’s faithfulness. Lovely post, Nan. 🙂

    1. Joanne, thank you. Your kind words have blessed me today. The Lord often uses His creation to teach me His principles. I’m so thankful for that.

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