For this is what the Lord says: “I will extend peace to her like a river…” (Isaiah 66:12)
I looked towards the sky above me. I was surrounded by tall rock walls and a canopy of tropical trees. The scene was gorgeous. The warmth of the sun felt heavenly, as I floated along the lazy river. I smiled. The King and I glided through the river on huge inflatable tubes. Mine was bright pink and his was electric blue. We looked like the perfect picture of summer.
As The King began to speak, I found myself hanging on his every word. “You are really going to enjoy all the adventures I have planned for you.” His eyes twinkled with playfulness and excitement. He always loves to plan surprises for me, even more than I enjoy receiving them! And I sure do enjoy them. He proceeds to tell me, “The river is beautiful. Its name is Peace. If you were to slide off of your tube and try to wade through this river, you can manage but boy would you be tired! Even the healthiest and most fit people would become worn out trying to move against the current. But when you allow yourself to float along and enjoy the ride, you find the river carries you wherever you need to be, right when you need to be there. You can get there your own way, but the journey is not nearly as enjoyable.”
I allowed the words to sink in and felt peace wash over me. I began to doze off, when suddenly I was startled awake by the sound of booming thunder. A deep ominous voice was amplified through the atmosphere. “Danger up ahead! Imminent danger! You won’t make it through! Get out while you can!” Alarmed, I looked over at The King. To my surprise, I found him in a deep belly laugh. He shook his head with a smile. “You aren’t nervous?” “No, my love and you shouldn’t be either. Look up.” As we approached a bend in the river, I can make out the form of a short gremlin creature standing atop the rock wall. From this angle, I could see that the sound of thunder was being amplified through giant speakers, while images of lightening were projected unto a large screen. The King explained. “That gremlin is the enemy. He doesn’t hold any real power for those who walk in the love of my Kingdom. His words only carry as much power as you let them. I find it best to laugh him off.”
I loved listening to the King speak. His words were sweet like honey. Each word setting off a spark of joy in my heart. As I listened to his voice, all other sounds seemed to fade away. Even the voice of the gremlin became so faint I could barely hear it.
His voice had led me to the river of Peace and now I enjoyed my time with him, soaking in His presence and allowing peace to carry me along my journey.
