-March 3, 2024-
Good morning, happy Lord’s Day,
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You.”
(Isaiah 26:3).
Peace is one of the greatest gifts the Lord gives us. There is so much conflict, angst, turmoil, fear, and stress in this world. As believers, we have peace with God and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.
In today’s text we notice that God keeps us in perfect peace because we trust in Him. Isaiah 26:4 says, “Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the Lord is everlasting strength.” YAH is a shortened form of Yahweh or Jehovah. It was a very sacred name for God to the Jews.
God is faithful to give us peace in the midst of the storms of life. When we are late for work or an important appointment; the traffic is horrific; an appointment or vacation gets cancelled; we get sick or injured; there are layoffs; loved ones die. There are so many things that can go wrong at just the wrong time.
Our peace, like our joy, isn’t dependent on our circumstances. Perfect peace is, well, perfect. The Lord is with us day by day, moment by moment. He gives the rest in our souls. I remember seeing a painting of a beach with a storm raging all around. There was a solitary little bird perched securely on a rock, unbothered by it all. Jesus is our Rock, and nothing moves Him.
It is up to us to stay our minds on Christ and the things above, and trust in Him. Isaiah 26:12 tells us, “Lord, establish peace for us, for You have also done all our works in us.” In us can be rendered for us.
The hymn writer Edward Bickersteth wrote, “Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round? On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found.” We can be calm on the inside while things are unraveling all around us.
Have a blessed Lord’s Day being filled with peace, kept in peace, and wrapped securely in peace. Stay safe and healthy.
Encircled, enveloped, and encouraged by His wonderful peace,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 