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: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees. 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: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.
The promise is spoken to the gospel church, that peace would be extended to her like a river and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. It is fulfilled as bearers of salvation carry the glad tidings to the ends of the earth, to every kindred and people, so that people from every nation join the church and she receives abundant peace. The same extending of peace shows the Lord abiding with the contrite soul to give peace and tender, nursing care, as one carried and comforted and dandled.
Abundant peace is promised to God's people, and they are made a joyful people. True faith reaches up and lays hold on the One behind the promise, and the Saviour's joy filling the heart gives peace and confidence, so that spiritual joy is the result of active faith. Those full of faith and of the Holy Spirit glorify God by showing what true religion does, in cheerful trust rather than a fretful, unhappy spirit. The religion of Jesus brings this peace like a river, and this peace does not quench joy or cheerfulness but accompanies a serious, purposeful life shaped by Christ's love and service.
Peace like a river is lasting inward peace, felt over weeks, bringing triumph in God and unspeakable gratitude for tokens of His love. It moves the heart to dedicate itself anew to God and devote itself to His work, to be a living sacrifice and shed a holy influence, while the whole being longs, thirsts and pants for living waters. Peace flowing abundantly like a river expresses deep peace and joy experienced through God's mercy and love. That image holds for deep peace experienced for several weeks when God shows mercy, comforts the family, and brings hope for a husband's healing.
The same flowing of peace from God like a river is known when God sustains in His work, as peace flows into the soul, a heavy burden weighing down is lifted, and peace and joy continue through the meeting. It is also the peace felt when taking up the cross of baptism, described as peace flowing like a river.