Read Isaiah 26:1-6
In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:
“We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. For he has humbled the inhabitants of the height, the lofty city. He lays it low, lays it low to the ground, casts it to the dust. The foot tramples it, the feet of the poor, the steps of the needy.”
Reflect
· What do I feel when I read verses 1-6?
· What are some ways I can live these verses?
· Do I feel that perfect peace possible in this world?
Have you ever met a person who seemed perfectly centered, focused, and at peace, even when the rest of the world seemed to be falling apart around them? More than likely, that person’s mind, heart, and spirit were centered on God. We live in an unsettled, tumultuous time, in a world full of strife, suffering, pain, and grief. Despite this, inner peace and stability are possible, even in turmoil. When our hearts are in tune with God, and we are focused on His work in and purpose for our lives, we can proceed steadily and courageously through even the most painful circumstances. Peace is possible, and it begins in Him.
There are times in life when it’s incredibly challenging to feel God’s peace prevailing through our circumstances. If you’re experiencing such a period right now, practice repeating a short but comforting verse, like Philippians 4:7 or John 14:1, as you walk through your day. Let the repetition of God’s Word be a soothing balm for your weary heart.
Pray
Lord, please guide my heart and mind toward You, so that the kind of peace that transcends all circumstances is possible through You. Amen.