O that thou hadst hearkened to My commandments! Then had thy peace been like a river, and thy righteousness like the waves of the sea" (Isaiah 48;18).

Some of the saddest words in life are: "If only..." "If only I had more money....If only I lived somewhere else....If only I had a better job....If only I didn’t have this infirmity....If only...."

God responds: "If only you would listen to My commandments, your peace would be like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea." Listen to some of His commandments: "Be content with such things as you have" (Hebrews 13:5). "Don’t be anxious about anything" (Philippians 4:6,7). "Draw nigh to God" (James 4:8). "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4).

Child of God, you can choose to change your "if only," to "only You, Lord." then see what happens.

Help me, O God, to hearken to Your Word and be refreshed by Your gentle river of peace and be washed by Your mighty waves of righteousness.

I know that had I listened more,
God’s peace would be my treasure;
And my "if only’s" would dissolve
In the sea of God’s own pleasure.
                                            —E.R.G.