The world is filled with violence, terrorism, and senseless crime. How is it possible to enjoy inner peace when there is so much turmoil all around us?
By drawing on two passages from the prophet Isaiah, the hymnwriter Frances Ridley Havergal tells how. In Isaiah 48:18, God promises peace like a river. And in Isaiah 26:3 Isaiah writes, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (NIV).
In one of her last letters, Havergal quoted Romans 5:1: “We have peace with God.” Then she added as a note to her friend, “It is yours already, purchased for you, made for you, sealed for you, pledged to you, by the word of the Father and the precious blood of Jesus.” It is not merely peace that God promises, but perfect peace—perfected, completed in Christ.
Scriptures: Isaiah 26:3; Isaiah 48:18; John 14:27; John 16:33; Romans 5:1
Themes: Peace, Protection
Like a river glorious
Is God’s perfect peace,
Over all victorious
In its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth
Fuller ev’ry day,
Perfect, yet it groweth
Deeper all the way.
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.
Ev’ry 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.
By FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL (1836–1879)
Petersen, William; Petersen, Ardythe. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp.
307-308). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
