The River

"When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll..."

Those are great words, I thought, as I kayaked, humming the wonderful hymn. I liked the symbolism of water being both peaceful and sorrowful. It is the way of life. Sometimes the river is filled with joy and gentle rivers, and sometimes it is a raging sea of sorrow.

"Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul...."

The river is the path and it may rage or comfort. We may be tossed or we may be rocked.

On the way upstream, I had a strong wind at my back. It was effortless. When I turned back, expecting the current to carry my weary body effortlessly back to the dock, I faced a stiff wind. It was a greater struggle than I had planned for. I had expended all my energy going out. I didn't think I had enough strength left to fight on the way back as well. Sometimes, that's the way it goes.

"Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!"

As I reached the shore, I lay my paddle on my lap and let the waves rock the boat against the grassy landing. I felt like I didn't have the strength to stand up, so I sat awhile in the kayak and let the river rock me.

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I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” (Jeremiah 31:25 NIV)


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