“You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation]. Trust [confidently] in the Lord forever [He is your fortress, your shield, your banner], For the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].
Isaiah 26:3-4 AMP
Grace Perspective:
Perfect peace means peace peace. In Hebrew, the word for peace is Shalom which means “completeness, soundness, welfare, peace. “[i] Isaiah wants us to understand this powerful truth. True peace, perfect peace, comes when we choose to trust the Lord. Isaiah tells us we trust God by setting our minds on Him.
Our minds have the power to control our actions, so what we fix our thoughts on is essential to our peace. Choosing to focus our thoughts on who God is, the promises He makes to us in Scripture, and trusting that He will keep all His promises will help keep our minds perfectly peaceful.
Ultimately our peace comes from trusting Christ Jesus as our Savior. He did the work to make us complete or at peace with God. Trusting Christ for salvation will bring eternal peace our hearts long for; fixing our thoughts on this truth will help guard our hearts with His gracious peace.
A Touch of Grace:
What steals your peace?
What would it take for you to have perfect peace?
Grace Application:
Peace, do you long for a peaceful life? I do! Yet, often it seems as though circumstances are anything but peaceful. You know what I mean. Busy lives, health issues, financial worries, and relational problems can all work against us having the peace Isaiah refers to in this passage.
Is this kind of peace even possible? Yes, it is possible, though it starts with our thoughts. Daily we make choices in what consumes our thoughts. Our minds are a battlefield where peace is gained or lost by what we think. If we focus on what the world says is necessary for inward peace (image, looks, wealth, self) or what others think about us, our peace is unstable.
The focus of our thoughts is critical if we want to have the kind of peace Isaiah refers to in this passage. When our thoughts run rampant, churning with problems, fears, and anxiety…turning our minds toward God and remembering what is true, reminding ourselves that He is trustworthy, can bring calm to the chaotic swirling thoughts. Fixing our minds on the truths found in Scripture strengthens our trust in God. Then, even when life brings unexpected (or expected) suffering, we can have perfect peace.
Choosing to keep our thoughts on “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:7) keeps our thoughts focused on the Lord. As we lean into the truth of who God is, our trust in Him deepens as we know Him as our eternal Rock who gives gracious peace to those who trust Him.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ, thankful for peace, eternal peace that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as my Savior. Forgive me for when I allow chaos to rule my mind and heart instead of trusting You. I confess I still struggle to trust you with (___________). Help me, Lord, to surrender this to you so that Your peace will be complete in my heart and mind. Amen.
[i] https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7965&t=ESV
**Today, as you read this, I pray you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is gone. Today is a good day to be assured of salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**