If you are anything like me, reading the words “perfect peace” has a very calming effect. Isn’t that something that we all long for? This time of year I believe the thought of peace is far from our minds. We are faced with finding the right gift for all of those on our lists, finding the money to pay for all of those gifts, decorating, planning parties, etc. So much for peace on earth and good will toward men, right? I don’t think shoving people around in the stores trying to get the best deal counts as “good will toward men!”
And what if you are just not in the mood? Some have experienced loss during the year and the thought of Christmas is not what is has been in the past. You just want to get through it and move on.
A few months ago I shared a few scripture passages that talked about how God is our Rock. It seemed that everywhere I turned I found another passage about that very subject. This is one of those passages:
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV
I have this verse written on a Post-It note on my monitor at work. Every now and then I read it over and over to try to gain focus.
This verse is especially meaningful to me right now because it is in the passage of Isaiah that I am teaching this week (Isaiah 25-27). It is also the student’s memory verse for the week. What an awesome passage to commit to memory and be able to bring to mind when things are anything but peaceful.
So, does being in perfect peace mean that we’ll never have any problems or trials? Of course not. However, if we trust in God we will have the strength to face these problems and trials.
There is also a requirement. Our minds must be “stayed on God.” The NIV says “whose mind is steadfast”. That means we have to consistently study His word to know His character. Then we can rest in the knowledge of who He is. For instance, if we trust that God is faithful, unchanging, all-powerful and our rock, then we can rest in the knowledge that He is in control. He will give us enough grace to face whatever is put in our path.
I am going to close with the chorus of a hymn that comes to mind:
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.”
In His Peace,
Melanie