Peaceful Places

Have you ever been camping? Maybe you camped in a tent or possibly a camper? Or maybe your family has "camped" out in a cabin where you can be out in the woods and build a camp fire and roast marshmallows.

If you are very fortunate, you might have found a spot next to a lake or a creek or waterfall or even an ocean. Listening to the the water break and flow is very soothing. Isn't it wonderful that God gives us water to refresh our bodies and to refresh the earth? And for fish to live in and animals to drink? There's something very peaceful about water and God is the One who gives peace!

There's an old African American spiritual that I grew up singing. Sometimes we would sing this song at church, or maybe at a family reunion. Lots of kids have sung this song at summer camp. I love doing hand motions to this song to emphasize the flowing river or the splashing fountain or the crashing ocean. Here are the words to that song, "Peace Like a River":

I've got peace like a river,

I've got peace like a river,

I've got peace like a river in my soul.

I've got peace like a river,

I've got peace like a river,

I've got peace like a river in my soul!

I've got love like the ocean,

I've got love like the ocean,

I've got love like the ocean in my soul.

I've got love like the ocean,

I've got love like the ocean,

I've got love like the ocean in my soul!

I've got joy like a fountain,

I've got joy like a fountain,

I've got joy like a fountain in my soul.

I've got joy like a fountain,

I've got joy like a fountain,

I've got joy like a fountain in my soul!

I love how this particular song reminds us of the first three "fruits" of the spirit we've learned so far- Love, Joy, and this week Peace. God promises us that when we have His spirit in our hearts that we will grow these kinds of fruit. His LOVE, His JOY, His PEACE will flow out of us like water in a river or splashing the lives of others like a fountain, or gushing out like an ocean wave!

Maybe during family worship you could pull out any rhythm sticks or shakers that you have and sing and play along with this song to remind you of the Peace, Love, and Joy that God has put in your heart! I pray that song will remain with you all day long!☀️

Singing joyfully with love! Mrs. Bess

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=329t5D3ZTaw