You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You (Isaiah 26:3).
In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve took upon themselves to eat the fruit of the forbidden tree that changed everything. When they ate the fruit, their eyes were “open” to realize that they were naked. Fear came over them, so they began to cover themselves, and God saw what they had done.
How many times have we done something that produced fear, shame, guilt, and worry? Or even found ourselves in a circumstance that is out of our control? God knows that in this world that we won't have peace. Our peace lies with Jesus because He came and made us right with God again.
In Isaiah 26, God defeated the enemies of the land of Judah. They were praising God and were overjoyed for the victory. The realization that if they keep their minds focused on God, there would be peace that followed. Even in the midst of a storm, peace is there if you keep your mind stayed on God.
Jesus Is Our Only Peace
With Jesus, we are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17). When we gave our lives to Jesus Christ, we gave up our old self and old ways. This does not mean that our old selves will not try to overcome us, this means that our new lives are hidden in Christ and that we have peace because of Christ.
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory (Colossians 3:1-3).
In John 16:33, the Bible says that in this world we will have tribulations, but with being in Christ Jesus, we have peace because He has already overcome the world.
So, if we have Christ in us, then we have the light in us. John 8:12 says, “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
The light is meant to expose what is not seen in the dark. The light is warm, bright, and gives us the ability to see clearer. But with darkness, life can be difficult to do things that the light can bring. With all of our tribulations and circumstances hovering over us, life can be hard to navigate.
Personally, life has been dark for me. I am learning that it is crucial and so important to have God's Word as a constant in my life. In Psalm 119:105, the Bible says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
How many of us are walking on a dim path without being guided and renewed by God’s Word? The Bible may not spring up many interests to people, and even Christians too. How can we survive this life if we only read the Bible one day a week?
Surely peace would not be present in our lives if we have been neglecting the Word of God. It is no wonder that we become double-minded (James 1:8) because we let this world dictate and twist our thought life.
Colossians 3:15 says to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Therefore, how can we be in perfect peace if our minds are not focused on God? Let me tell you that whatever this world has a hold on you is nothing compared to the peace that God can bring if you let Him.
A Relationship with God
Our relationships are important to us, and we invest much time in these relationships. When you accepted Jesus Christ into your life, you were invested to get to know Him. Life is exciting with new relationships and the wonder of this new person has brought joy to you.
But as time goes by, and the relationship isn't as exciting and new anymore, you may become accustomed to them being in your life. You get distracted and may even let other things/people take a bigger role, which can lead to neglect.
I know that we all have been neglected in our lives at some point and it reflects in our relationships. In John chapter 15, Jesus says that we are the branches, and He is the vine. As you prune a vine, you prune those that are not producing fruit.
Jesus says that “'I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing'” (John 15:5).
We are not able to have true peace as Jesus gave us because of our neglect. Reading the Word of God brings us life, light, peace, instruction, and much more that is needed to continue living with God. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
We all have idols and things that tend to take the place of God. It doesn't mean that we don't love God, but it makes us question that if our love for God is so great, then why do we make these things and people more important? The Bible isn't there just to teach, it is also there to get to know God and who He is.
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”) (Matthew 1:21-23).
Sometimes we forget that this life is all about knowing God, our Creator. Peace comes knowing that God is with us, and sometimes we become hyper-focused on ourselves that we forget where our peace comes from. Peace comes by giving our lives to Christ so that we can live to know Him. You will find perfect peace when you are focused on God in all circumstances.
A Closing Prayer
Father God, we thank you for giving us life and peace even in all of the dark times. You, God, are our peace, and we thank you for giving us your Son Jesus Christ. I pray that we all focus on your Word. I pray that even with life being uncertain that we abide in you, God.
Lastly, I pray for all to keep God in the forefront of your mind always. All praise, glory, and honor is yours God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
For further reading:
Does God Always Promise Peace?
Will the God of Hope Fill Us with Joy and Peace?
15 Prayers for Peace to Experience Comfort and Calm
What Is the Peace That Surpasses All Understanding?
What Does It Mean to Have Peace with God?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/m-imagephotography
Rebecca Mashburn (Gordon) has a wonderful husband named Joseph. She has a blog, Trust. Lean, Seek and is working on becoming what God is calling her to. She has a bachelor's in psychology and hopes to one day pursue a degree in biblical counseling. Rebecca loves to be in nature, especially in springtime, and she loves to travel. She has a loving family and hopes one day to have children of her own.
