“Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea;” – Isaiah 48:17-18

In earlier years I worked in retail sales. I was led to believe that there was great profit to be had in sales commission. I quickly discovered that while this was true, the monetary gain required an incredible amount of time and work. To receive a large paycheck, there were sales guidelines that I needed to follow.

In many ways spiritual profit of peace and righteousness is no different than tangible profit. Israel had been given commandments to follow, with instructions from the Lord. Walking in line with God’s revealed will would require an incredible amount of time and work. But to receive lasting spiritual benefits, these Biblical guidelines needed to be followed.

We are saved by the grace of God my friend, and nothing can ever change this fact. But, to have the benefits of peace and righteousness requires a commitment of paying attention to the revealed will of God. When you read the Scriptures do you look for ways to practice what you learn? To have peace like a river requires a life that follows God’s guidelines.