Perfect Peace

Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV ©2010) ”You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.”

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV ©2010) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

We must learn to live in the peace of God in the midst of trials, difficulties, persecutions, hardships and whatever else we face. Perfect peace is possible to maintain, but we must learn how to stay there. The first principle is that our minds must be steadfast. The only way to stay steadfast is to be founded on the Rock of Christ. His words must not only remain in our minds, but they must come out of our mouths as well. When all around us is in turmoil and when our familiar patterns and lifestyles are upset, we can depend on the words of God. We must drive a stake into the bedrock of His Word deeper than we have previously done. The storms of the world are increasing. There is no question about it. Look at the signs. In Australia after six months of massive flooding they were hit with a typhoon with the fastest recorded winds (170 m.p.h.) ever. These are signs for us to run to the fortress of the truth – the words of God.

We are called not simply to survive but to thrive in the midst of difficulties. The people of Israel were called to rule in the midst of their enemies, and we too have the same calling. Yet it is not our strength or diligence that we can depend on, but the strength of God. We trust in God; we depend on His working out all things for the good of those who love him. This is our heritage, our calling, our inheritance as children of God, and we should no longer accept anxiety and worry as our lot in life. No, we are called to live in peace. As we learn this, we will shine as lights in the world which is facing great darkness. We are the light of the world – because of Christ. The light of peace is a beacon in the dark. Let’s pursue peace while we have the opportunity to grow in it.