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Seeking Peace?


Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.  (Isaiah 26:3)

I memorized that verse years ago.  But, my remembrance of it has been hampered by an incomplete focus.  My focus has been on the first phrase and I’ve neglected to give the remaining two phrases much attention.

From what I’ve heard, the context of the verse is that of a walled city being surrounded by an enemy.  Yet the occupants could have perfect peace as they trusted in God and kept their minds stayed on Him.

Who wouldn’t want such a peace?  I’ve certainly desired it over the years!  I’ve probably even expected God to give that peace, thinking it was somehow due me.  But, in what I focused on, I think I missed the other parts of the verse that make it whole.

As I’ve been contemplating this lately, it does not mean, at least for me, that I should have:

A give and take perspective:  that is, it’s not that I manage to stir up a little trust and then I’m entitled to some peace.

A contractual obligation perspective:  that is, God said He would give peace so I can then just claim it.

A consequence perspective:  that is, if I can’t seem to trust enough, then the consequence is that there is little or no peace available to me.

A formula based perspective:  that is, there are five easy steps to peace and I just need to work them in order to obtain peace.

So what is the message of the whole verse for me?  Before I share it, be forewarned, it is simple but not simplistic:

Don’t necessarily seek peace, seek the Giver of peace. 

When I seek only the gift (peace), I am forgetting that a relationship with the giver is actually the most important thing.

When I seek the giver of peace and trust Him and keep my mind stayed on Him, all things indicative of a healthy, growing relationship, He will provide what I need, when I need it!


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