Peace comes to those who trust the Lord - Isaiah 26:3

Like a river glorious is God's perfect peace

Over all victorious in its bright increase.

Perfect yet it floweth fuller every day

Perfect yet it groweth deeper all the way.

Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blessed

Finding as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

LIKE A RIVER GLORIOUS - words by Frances Havergal

 

"Perfect peace and rest" seem to be hard to find these days.  We are trying to find it in a lot of different places.  I enjoy all these new t-shirts and bumper stickers that are cropping up on finding "calm". 

It is such a mystery, a couple from England established a graphic company entitled "The Calm Gallery" to offer many suggestions of where you might find calm (Websters:  freedom from agitation or excitement).  I hope it's working for them.

Isaiah 26:3 tells us peace comes only to a mind that is steadily focused on trusting God.  After all, peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23)...if He indwells us then we will have His peace (and develop more and more as we mature in our faith).  We are commanded in several places in the Bible to "not be anxious about your life" (Luke 12:22)...why do we lack peace?  Are our thoughts more focused on us and not on God...are we anxious because we are depending on our own abilities and not the King of all Creation?

A dear friend recently posted this on Facebook:

Anxiety or peace?

2 gifts

2 givers

One you simply say No to;

One you embrace and say thank you!

 

I don't believe I ever thought about anxiety being a choice or being from the devil.  Max Lucado says "anxiety is a fruit of sin, right along with shame, fear, disgrace and discouragement".  We do have a choice how we respond to the circumstances of life and the promises God gives us in His word.  We have a choice of where our minds go...are we grateful and trusting or do we doubt God has the ability to help us?  I am going to "carry on", but I'm going to do it in the strength the Lord Jesus provides me, not a cute slogan.  How about you?

 

For further study:   Numbers 6:24-26,  Neh. 8:10,  Psalm 34:14, Psalm 119:165, Proverbs 14:30, John 14:27, Romans 5:1-5, Philippians 4:6-7, James 1:13-15,  1 Peter 5:6-10

 

Be blessed in your understanding of God's word.

 

Love,

Holly