August 14, 2021
Scripture: You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 17:3 ESV
Observation: In this verse, Isaiah provides valuable insight regarding the relationship between peace, trust, and focus. But before we consider the correlation, we need to note the extent of God’s peace. It is “perfect,” as manifested in the Son (Isaiah 9:6), and hence unswayed by life circumstances (John 14:27). And we are kept in his peace which guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).
Takeaway: If this is true, then why do we struggle with stress and anxiety—the antithesis of peace? Because we are a work in progress. We struggle to trust God when life seems out of control. And because we all suffer to some degree from attention deficit. Like Peter, we are easily distracted by the waves that are crashing around us. But there are also those out-of-control moments when, for some inexplicable reason, our souls are at peace. Why is that? It’s our sense of helplessness. We cannot see our way forward without God’s help, without his direction. It’s all on him. And that’s when we focus on the One who gives us perfect peace.
Prayer: Father God, in your mercy, rescue us from self-sufficiency. Instead, deepen our awareness of your sufficiency to keep us in your perfect peace. And help us to stay focused on your Prince of Peace. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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