06/18/2026
PRAYING ON MORRIS CREEK FRIDAY JUNE 19, 2026
After praying, I was thinking of the song, “Peace like a river.” Peace gently flowing Sweet and divine. Gives assurance Jesus is mine. Peace like a river so gently is flowing, how sweet to my soul is this marvelous peace, Sweeter and sweeter each day it is growing, like billows of glory it never shall cease. Filled with the Sprit I am so glad, happy and glad. Jesus has given, sweetly has given, wonderful peace. Glory forever to Jesus my Savior, for wonderful, marvelous, heavenly peace, Peace overflowing, much sweeter is growing, what wonderful, wonderful peace The river simply finds a way to go around or over obstacles. It just keeps flowing. So when I think of peace like a river, I think of peace as something that can be continually flowing in our lives despite our circumstances or the obstacles that may get in our path. Isaiah 48:18 O that thou had hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea: Rivers are a beautiful thing to watch and be near. Some rivers have fast flowing water, while others are slow-moving. In either case, the water is still moving and changing all the time. As it flows, the water moves the bad stuff out, while bring in fresh clean water. Looking closely at a river, one will usually see a lot of life in it and around it. Fish will be swimming in the water. Animals will be near it to drink of its refreshing water. Trees and other plants will surround the edges. All of these things show peace and harmony on the river. People go to rivers for this peace. Many are looking for peace in this world. There are even believers who sometimes wonder where the peace of God is in their own lives. Knowing and obeying God’s commands will bring about that same peace and harmony. Not following God’s commands is sinning against Him. When there is sin in your life, there is a separation between you and God. When there is separation, you will not have the peace that He is wanting to provide you. This passage often used in times of strife, stress, or struggle comes from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the early church in Philippi. As he winds the letter to a close, Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4: 6-7. The notion of God’s peace being able to guard and protect us can be a welcome balm for our troubled souls. Some translations of the Bible use the word “surpass” in place of “transcend,” but the meaning is much the same. God’s peace is so great we cannot possibly comprehend its fullness, so great it overshadows even the mightiest of concerns. But what is the peace that surpasses all understanding? And how can we get that peace? What Does Peace Mean in This Passage? It means. “one, peace, quietness, or rest. it’s a giving over, a blissfully relaxing, much like the carefree sleep of a child who has no worries because all their concerns are handled. Peace can often be translated with a militaristic perspective in mind, such as the absence of human conflict or battles, but here it’s used more in reference to a state of mind, means “to join,” as in a state of harmony and connection. For Paul’s intended audience, people often torn apart by religious persecution and cultural strife, the concept of peace is a desirable one. What Does ‘Surpasses All Understanding’ Mean? is translated to mean “surpasses all understanding version which means over, or beyond) according to Strong’s Concordance — basically, “to hold above, to rise above, to be superior.” Many search for peace, influential country leaders say that they desire peace, but they pursue peace only in words and actions that do not seek the One who holds the key to real peace. So what is real peace? Jesus Christ is called the “Prince of Peace,” and the stories in the Bible make it very clear that He came to this earth to save us, redeem us and reveal His Eternal Kingdom in which His peace will reign forever. At one of the key moments in Jesus’ ministry, He pronounces to His disciples: 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. Jesus clearly states that His peace is not like the peace that the world gives. The peace Jesus is talking about is a peace that surpasses all understanding, that we receive through grace when we have repented and put our trust in Him. However, at the time Jesus said this, the full revelation of the gospel had not yet been completed by His atoning work. The disciples were most likely troubled because Jesus said He was about to leave this world, and they feared the unknown. So when they heard this statement, it was disheartening to say the least. Jesus then says to them: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world John 16:33 As the apostle Paul states in his writing in Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. The only peace that satisfies, gives us peace of mind, and allows us to rest in Him, is that which Jesus gives. Jesus knew that the disciples would go through tribulations, but He wanted them to “take heart” because he had “overcome the world.” These words are very encouraging to me, especially in those moments when there is much confusion and chaos and life feels overwhelming. Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” and the one who holds the key to what that peace truly means. Many around the world are finding this everlasting peace even in hostile environments. I hope that you too can find the peace and refuge in God amidst tribulations and chaos of this life.