The Peace of the Commandment-Keeper
By H. F. Graf
"O that thou hadst harkened to My commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea." Isa. 48:18. Look at the river, arising as a little brook among the mosses of the green hills, leaping the cataracts, flowing along the fair valley by the home of man, through the forests where only the wild things dwell. With hum of pleasant music, it turns the village mill, dropping over the old wheel, sporting in the eddies, bending low the supple willows. Anon the streamlet becomes a river and bears upon its flood full many a craft. And as a mighty stream it flows on to the broad ocean. Ages roll on, and the river abides; not as an evanescent morning cloud or a transient rain flood, but throughout time a permanent, lasting current, ever speeding on to its destined place. Such is the peace of those who harken to the commandments of our God. They have always reason for comfort. Their consolation is not like a swollen torrent which is dried up under the burning sun of adversity, but peace is their rightful possession at all times. Do you inquire for the Thames?—You will find it in its own bed, in the thick, black night as well as in the clear, sunny day. So is the commandment-keeper, ever in his place, and at peace. "When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to
say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul."
H. F. Graf.