Peace like a river?
I don’t know about you, but the rivers I’ve rafted aren’t exactly peaceful. Of course the inflatable boat is launched in a relatively calm section, but then you hear the roar of white water upstream and realize trouble is looming.
Isaiah 66:12, “For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream.” KJV
WET AND COLD
Up front, they admitted the dry suits wouldn’t necessarily keep us dry, then they proved it. Forty-two degree melted glacier water seeped in around our ankles and wrists as we waded into the swift current to prove our swim ability. A pre-requisite for rafting Six Mile Creek, we demonstrated a two hundred yard swim. More importantly, we were required to pass “THE test” – never, ever, ever try to stand up in the current. Of all the rivers I have rafted, only the guides of Six Mile Creek required a test swim. Six people flunked and missed the ride.
HOW TO FLUNK
They flunked because they panicked and put their feet down. White water rafting is one of my favorite adrenaline-producing activities. I hope to do it again someday when I am strong enough to hold a paddle and hang on. The mild-mannered, yet rugged river guides know fighting the current in swift water is a critical mistake, especially if you fall out of the boat. We were instructed to put our feet up and let the current take us to the bank or another raft. Attempting to stand up is dangerous because of the possibility of wedging your foot, then the power of the water can pull you under and they’ll send the search and rescue team to recover your body.
DON’T FIGHT THE CURRENT
Life is unpredictable. One minute I was floating peacefully along taking in the scenery, the next minute I was paddling for my life. Three things are key to survival when the river plunges: wear your life jacket, listen to your guide and don’t fight the current if you fall in the water.
Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” ASV
WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET
Six Mile Creek on the Kenai Peninsula near Anchorage rises over 300 feet in places and has an abundance of class V rapids. Don’t let the name creek fool you. This ain’t no kiddie ride. Not wearing a life jacket would likely be a death sentence. Yet how many people try to navigate the rough spots of life without a life saver? Personally, I would have drown in despair without Jesus Christ as my life preserver.
Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” NIV
LISTEN TO YOUR GUIDE
It seems we are either in a crisis, just coming out of a crisis or heading into a crisis. So what about this “peace like a river” business? One important survival skill I use is to rely on what I know, not what I feel.
“Rely on what you know, not what you feel.”
I know what God says because I know what His word says. And I can promise you, I didn’t wait until the swift current threatened my safety to learn it. I relied on God’s truths while in the crashing falls, but I discovered it in the gentle water.
God’s Truths in the gentle waters and it will save you in the crashing falls.”
Isaiah 26:3, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” ESV
JUST FLOAT
People describe me as determined. If I want to do something, I keep trying until I accomplish my goal. But with myasthenia gravis, the harder I push, the worse I get. It is hard to accept, but when I push, it pushes back. Since fighting the current is a hopeless cause, so I am going to put my feet up and float.
We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God. Bonhoeffer
Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” NIV
SMOOTH WATERS
I hope you are sailing in smooth waters. If so, take in the beauty of your surroundings and equip yourself with life-saving skills to survive the plunge over the falls. When you hit the inevitable rough waters, don’t fight the current. Hang on tight and listen to your guide to avoid drowning.
Psalm 29:11, “The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.” NKJV
If you are currently in a crisis, you might want to read “Prescriptions for Anxiety”
Personally, I am ready for peace like a tropical island. Anyone want to join me?
2 Thessalonians 3:16, “May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” HCSB
Vickie,
Thank you for this. It’s such an excellent–and eloquently stated–reminder to stay at peace, in His hands.
I love adventure. Skydiving, mt biking, and off-roading, have long been favorite activities. I’ve always wanted to go whitewater rafting too–hopefully some day soon 🙂 This post was the perfect reminder to relax, and to let go of trying to control the situation. You are so right, it doesn’t produce good results in extreme sports, and doesn’t work well in life either.
This summer has been a season of many storms and rapids (among many happy moment too). Thanks for the excellent reminder to be still, and leave the battle in His hands. Like you, I’m looking forward to that tropical island peace. Sure appreciate the wise advice for the journey 🙂
I chickened out on skydiving but I think I would do it now if I had a chance. Thanks for sharing.
Now THIS one is my favorite, Vickie. Thank you for the constant encouragement!!!
Glad you liked it! Thanks
Vickie, the best reminder I have ever read!! Thank you so much, and I totally agree with you, be prepared, listen to your guide, wear your life jacket, helmet, and wetsuit in life, because you never know when the white water is coming or where the strainers of life might pop up! Karen and I have been upside down in the Snake River, and while underneath a raft, the words of the guide came to me, “walk your way out using your hands!” What good advise about listening and paying attention to your guide. The guide pulled Karen to the top of the upside down raft, I am floating downstream, feet up, until I see my friend with his face down in the water. Kicking in, I swam downstream to catch him by the back of his lifejacket and holler over the white water, to keep your head and feet up and float, we will be okay! He had given up! Video of this is posted under videoes on my facebook page. Something I will never forget, I learned so much in whitewater, everything slows down, peace in the storm, thinking of those you love and rely on God to get you through the storm!
Wow! I have floated the snake too. It’s my favorite but that is absolutely terrifying. Great lesson on how you rely on what you know. Thanks for sharing