Isaiah 26:3-4 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:"
Perfect Peace
Every summer at camp, we sing a chorus that is written specifically for that summer's theme. So most times, this song is written several months before we actually use it. Isaiah 26 is also a song written in advance for a special occasion. I'm so glad we are still able to benefit from it today!
Take a look at verses 3-4: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace. . . ." This peace is not just a restful feeling that you can get from vacation, a pill, or a soft bed. No, this is the perfect peace that only God can give. It is a complete peace deep down in your soul.
What is the duration of this peace? Verse 4 says, "For in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength." It is forever! God will never stop making this peace available. Just as it was available in Isaiah's day, it is available to each child of God today.
Who is this perfect peace given to? Verse 3 tells us that it is granted to those "whose mind is stayed on thee [God]." It all begins with the mind. In your thoughts, who or what are you placing your trust in today? Are you trusting in God today?
Notice that the verse says this peace is for those whose mind is stayed on God. This means a continuing dependence. Trust in God is something that must be settled every single day. It is not like our decision to trust Christ-eternal life is settled forever! In contrast, having a mind stayed on God is not something we can settle in one decision and not concern ourselves with afterwards. Our trust wants to waver-our sinful nature wants to pull our trust away from God to other things.
A wonderful reminder is that God's strength is perfect and never wavers! Think of the story of Peter walking on the water. For most of us, our trust would not even get us out of the boat! As his eyes were stayed on his Savior, he walked on water-something he could never have done on his own. As soon as he took his eyes off the Lord, he started to sink. Our minds must be stayed on the Lord.
Why does God choose to give this perfect peace to those whose minds are stayed on Him? "Because he trusteth in thee." God's provision is based upon my depending on Him for it. Yes, God's resources are unlimited, but I cannot benefit from them until I am willing to depend upon Him to meet those needs. God will never help us against our will; so verse 4 exhorts us, "Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength."
Have you noticed that many times it is easier to trust God with eternity than to trust Him for this afternoon? If our powerful God can take care of us for all eternity, can He not be trusted to take care of us today? Is your mind stayed on the Lord today? Trust Him for your every need, and you will know the perfect peace that only He can give!
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