Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
A few days ago, we were talking about experiencing the peace of God. It appears that our Verse of the Day today is a follow-up … another look at the path of peace for our lives. I could not help but notice the parallels between the two verses:
Those who love your law have great peace, and nothing can make them stumble. (Psalm 119:165)
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3)
Great peace! Perfect peace! Both appear to be connected with our mindsets … our thought life and experience of faith. Those who love the law of God … those who meditate on the word of God will find peace and joy. Indeed, those who have placed their faith and trust in God will experience His gracious peace! Have you found this to be true in your own life? I think at this point in my life, I am experiencing the greatest peace I have ever known … despite the myriad of uncertainties and spiritual forces of evil that assault our world. This peace I feel inside is something that extends beyond faith … even though it is deeply rooted in it! It is a “knowing” trust in God that I have found within me … as opposed to a “hoping” trust. I’m not sure that makes sense to anyone, but it is the best way I know to describe it at the moment. I have come to the place in my journey that I know … that I know … that I know … God is very God! I no longer “hope” that He is true. As the inspired writer asserted: “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Cf. Hebrews 11:6)
So, our Verse of the Day affords us a repeated word of encouragement … an intentional word for His peace to indwell us. It reminds us again of the promise of peace for those who trust in the Lord. We live in a fallen world where it is hard to find peace. And we know there is no peace for the wicked – for those who practice unrighteousness. (Cf. Isaiah 48:22; 57:21) As the Prophet Isaiah noted: “Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways. The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace.” (Cf. Isaiah 59:7-8) And though people are looking for … longing for … praying for peace; we have to realize that the peace we seek will not be found in the world. Indeed, there is a peace that only God can provide … that only He, the God of Peace, can embed within our hearts. True peace will only be found in His Son, Christ Jesus! For Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is and forevermore will be our peace…. (Cf. Isaiah 9:6-7)
I believe this is the message the Spirit of God is sending forth: “If you want peace in your life, have a mind that is steadfast and a heart that believes in the truth of God’s Word!” These will be the key to experiencing His peace within. Yes, look for that perfect peace that comes through faith in Christ Jesus. Keep your eyes fixed upon Him. (Cf. Hebrews 12:2) Indeed, “ Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” (Cf. Proverbs 4:25-27) As the Psalmist affirmed: “Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.” (Cf. Psalm 112:6-8)
My friend, God IS who He claims to be in His Word! We absolutely have nothing to worry about at all! So, rest in His peace…. Our Lord Jesus told us not to fret or worry about anything in our lives. We have His assurance that Father God passionately loves us, and that He knows everything we need. (Cf. Matthew 6:25-34) Yes, let us receive this full assurance because Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (Cf. John 14:27) And the Apostle Paul affirmed: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Cf. Philippians 4:6-7)
So Now You Know 