The explanation of PEACE LIKE A RIVER, as the modern English, New World Translation so eloquently states Isaiah 48: verses 17, 18, this way:

This is what Jehovah says, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: “I, Jehovah, am your God, The One teaching you to benefit yourself, The One guiding you in the way you should walk. If only you would pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

This can be very comforting. How does a river have peace?

By paying attention to his commandments he was saying they could have peace and prosperity as full, deep and plentiful as a river. The tranquility could be as deep, perennial and lasting as an ever-flowing river. Also, by walking in God's way would move us to perform continuous acts of righteousness as innumerable as the sea's waves for really true happiness. As you follow down the path of a river, you find all types of obstacles from rocks to tree limbs. But do they stop the river? No the river continues to flow right past all these obstacles. We too, in our lives, encounter many obstacles. Some small and some very large, like a huge rock set before us. We could become overwhelmed if we don't have the peace of God in our life. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to meet these obstacles in life head on, and flow peacefully right by them, like a river? God's plea applies to us also today. He was promising his people that if we apply his laws and guidelines in our life, then our peace could become just like a river, not letting obstacles hinder us. Do you think that is possible? Many people look at us and tell us, we are crazy, especially in this world we live in today, but again God's Holy Word reassures us of just why he recorded these things for us in Romans chapter 15: verse 4 it says: For all the things that were written aforetime were written for our instruction, that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope. Isn't that an encouraging thought?

The 119th Psalm verse 165, reminds us that, “Abundant Peace belongs to those loving your law, And for them there is no stumbling block.”

Most people in the world today do not choose their religion like they do their surgeon. If they are in need of an operation, they usually want the best, most accurate, with a reputation for excellent surgical skills. They ask friends, doctors, associates, and do some basic research, so they get the finest and very best surgeon to perform the operation on them. When that doctor cuts into you, you want the full confidence that they are skillful and accurate.

Too bad people do not care about the same accuracy when it comes to their religion. Most people do not do any research; they figure if it is good enough for these other people, it must be good enough for me. Accuracy of following the bible with religions is of utmost importance also; some religions follow just parts of the bible, and other religions alter the rules the way they want to please the crowds and get attendance, even though it does not please God. There is always the best in everything, and even in religion, there is one religion that follows the bible implicitly and accurately, not to please crowds, but to please God.