Embracing Perfect Peace (Isaiah 26:3)

 

Serendipitous Thoughts: Embracing Perfect Peace (Isaiah 26:3)

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." — Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)

This verse means that God promises to provide perfect peace to those who consistently focus their minds on Him and place their trust in Him.

Did you know that thoughts can actually make you more anxious, happy, fearful, or content? What you spend time thinking about has the power to affect your emotions and your actions. Scripture has a lot to say about our thoughts because God knows the power of our minds. Can you imagine that? Perfect peace by focusing our thoughts on God. Ultimately, your character and your thoughts are the most powerful things about you.

I often ask myself, how many of my thoughts are spent on things relating to God? Conversely, how much time do I waste on worries, trivial matters, social media, political polarization, or negative thoughts that draw me away from His peace?

Do you have a mindset for Christ the first thing in your day? Why not? Focus on Him when you are feeling anxious or stressed, especially during these difficult worldly times. Simply remind yourself to think about who you are—a child of God—whom you belong to—God—and your "why"—living as a servant of God.

Throughout your day, commit to building the habit of centering your thoughts on God so you know Him more and experience God's perfect peace. The most important person to know is our Creator. In fact, Jesus taught that eternal life is not just a span of time; it is a relationship: "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" (John 17:3). The problem is our sinfulness. We are all sinful (Romans 3), and we fall short of the standard of holiness required to commune with God.

Isaiah 26:3 presents a powerful image of an exchange: God offers peace once you learn to trust Him. Some people struggle with anxiety because they have doubts or worries when things aren't going the way they think they should. But the more revelation you have about the God you serve—how good He is, how kind He is, and how much He wants the best for you—the easier it is to trust Him. When we learn to trust Him, that is usually when we receive the gift of peace.

I want to encourage you to learn more about God's kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. Knowing these attributes of God will help you trust Him more, and when you trust Him, you find peace. Consider starting your day with a simple prayer or meditation, focusing your thoughts on God's promises. When anxious thoughts arise, counter them with thoughts of God's love and His unwavering presence in your life.

As you journey through each day, remember that your thoughts are a powerful tool. Use them to draw closer to God, remind yourself of His promises, and cultivate a deeper sense of peace. Trust in the Lord, and let His perfect peace guard your heart and mind. With the essence of Isaiah 26:3 motivating you, perfect peace results from unwavering focus and trust in God.

Let's be encouraged as believers to cultivate a mindset that consistently looks to God, trusting in His ability to handle all of life's challenges and uncertainties.

God bless you and this ministry!