…because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Perfect peace seems like an ideal that is illusive and unattainable in this hectic world; greatly desired, yet sorely missed. But, the Word of God says that perfect peace is not only possible, but we are given the assurance that it can be our reality. In fact, perfect peace is the result, for the believer whose mind is steadfast; firmly fixed and unwaveringly focused on the Lord, and for those who are fully leaning on and trusting in Him.
This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.
I sometimes deny myself the perfect peace that God offers, because I focus my mind and thoughts on the concerns of the present moment and circumstances around me. I allow the things that are visible and seen to distract me from the unseen, and as a result I struggle with worry, anxiety, discouragement and depression.
Though lately, thanks to the Lord, I have made some progress in this area. The Lord is giving me discernment so that now when I have negative thoughts; I ask myself, “Is there any truth to what I am thinking about?” I speak to myself this way, because I’ve learned that my mind can deceive me and I can’t always trust my thoughts. But I can look to God and His Word to tell me the truth, and I can receive His perfect peace as I fix my mind on Him.
This topic reminds me of the song: What a Friend we Have in Jesus, by Joseph Medlicott Scriven (1855).
“O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!”
We may be unintentionally forfeiting the perfect peace of God and experiencing needless pain, for lack of disciplining our minds and thoughts to focus on Him.
First, we have to determine what is consuming our thoughts; then we can redirect our minds and take the focus off our circumstances and look in faith to the Lord and His Word.
2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” (NLT)
For we live by believing and not by seeing. (2 Corinthians 5:7 NLT)
God wants us to have perfect peace and He has given us the way to receive it by faith in Jesus Christ and through prayer. God promises to give us His perfect peace as we focus our minds and thoughts on Him.
In addition, what we fill our minds with, will consume our thoughts. We need to be careful about the things that we watch, listen to and read. But, if we fill our minds with Scripture and hymns, and praise songs, we will be thinking more about God.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
Psalm 29:11 says, “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” (NIV)
John 14:27 says, “I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So, don't be troubled or afraid.” (NLT)
John 16:33 says, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." (NLT)
Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (NIV)
It is the steadfast and trusting mind that God keeps in perfect peace.
To trust means to fully lean, depend and rely on something or someone. It can be thought of as a person who needs a cane for walking to help with balance, support and to decrease pressure from areas of weakness.
In the same way, we should rely on God and trust Him to be our strength and support to relieve the pressures of life. As we think of Him and meditate on His Word, our faith is strengthened and renewed and He keeps us in perfect peace.
For example, when you feel overwhelmed, which thought gives you more peace? Is it the thought that everything is up to you? Or the thought that, God will enable you with His strength to accomplish all that you need to?
At once, when we change the focus of our thoughts to God, we can receive His perfect peace as we believe and trust that He will help us.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
This habit of disciplining our thoughts takes practice. We shouldn’t get discouraged if our thoughts wander, but instead ask God to help us to keep our minds fixed on Him. In my opinion, I think this is a prayer He would love to answer.
With God’s help, we can keep our minds steadfast on Him, and trusting in Him, especially in times of uncertainty and fear; and remember that our God is unchanging and all powerful.
Psalm 56:3 says, “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.” (NLT)
Isaiah 26:4 says, “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the himself, is the Rock eternal.” (NIV)
Would you like to be kept in perfect peace?
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