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Peace Like a River





"Though the waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake, there is a river" (Psalm 46:3). Psalm 46 is said to be the favorite Psalm of Martin Luther, the great reformer of the 15th century. This psalm inspired him to write the well known hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." God is a stronghold and a tower, a bulwark (strong wall or fortress) never failing! Luther faced numerous dangers and threats on his life from the pope and the religious establishment when he found peace and comfort in this Psalm.

Whatever problems rage against us, God’s Spirit is the ever-flowing river who sustains us and gives us gladness even while we are under siege (Ps. 46:4). His river of grace and peace flows through the middle of the city. Not that the people of God will be exempt us from trouble, rather God will be with them in the midst of the troubles.

There is a spring that flows from the cross of Calvary that cleanses us from the impurity and brings peace and healing to our broken spirits. The church of Jesus Christ is the new Jerusalem, cleansed and purified by the blood of the lamb, waiting like a bride to receive our King. The church is like a well ordered city, surrounded with mighty walls of truth and justice, protected by the almighty, fairly built and adorned by God's infinite wisdom: its inhabitants the saints enjoy high privileges like, peace, joy, and hope. John the Apostle, in the book of Revelation saw a vision of the church being adorned and ready for the coming of Christ. (Rev 21:21). “And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, having been prepared as a bride having been adorned for her husband.” "And the angel showed me a pure river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, coursing down the center of the main street. "  (Rev 22:1,2)

A crisis does not make a person; a crisis reveals a person.  In a time of trial, you turn to what you trust. An alcoholic turns to the bottle. An addict turns to drugs. A atheist turns to the wise men. A Christian should turn to God. When trouble strikes, He is sufficient to get you through. God's promise to His people is the peace that flows like a river in the midst of turmoil. "I will extend peace like a river". (Isaiah 66:12).

Blessings

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Fulll sermon audio: Mathew Philip 

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