It is always the case that if any people would follow God, they will find peace. Those who follow Him find He leads them beside the still water and restores their souls. This likening to peace flowing like a river suggests the image of never failing peace; always flowing, never interrupted, and plentiful in bringing relief to those who find it. In a desert setting, water is life. The use of this metaphor was to suggest to the mind an image of life, eternal and unending. Of course, in Nephi’s day his brothers did not follow the commandments and, therefore, were not entitled to eternal life. No one in any generation is entitled to such peace unless they gain it through obedience to God.
Peace, as referred to here, does not necessarily mean the absence of difficulties or challenges. Rather it means the confidence in facing life’s challenges with the assurance you are obedient to God. Then, no matter the result of any given difficult challenge, even the loss of life, you have the peace of mind you can face God with a clear conscience. It is much like Joseph’s observation on the way to Carthage, Illinois, and the awaiting mob -militia, which would kill him. He observed:
“I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer’s morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men.” (D&C 135:6.)
This is the peace spoken of here. Nephi was well acquainted with both this life’s troubles and the confidence he was “highly favored of God.” (See 1 Ne. 1: 1.) The peace of the river flowing here comes within, even while storms rage without.
Righteousness as the waves of the sea suggests the constant return of wave after wave, as the Spirit returns to guide the seeking soul. Line upon line, precept upon precept the Spirit guides like the returning tides of the sea. This is the promise that obedience will allow you to face all of life’s challenges with righteousness. No temptation will overcome you. No difficulty will detract from your determination to serve God. It is a powerful suggestion to the mind of life renewing its determination time after time after time.
These word pictures describe the determination to follow God, rather than a condition of righteousness without effort. The audience Nephi addressed when he spoke these words (his brothers) was without commitment to follow God or His spokesman, Nephi. The audiences who read these words today are, for the most part, similarly situated because we want to get the greatest of blessings without exerting the greatest of efforts. It is a useful picture, which is why Nephi adopted it in his record to us.