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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