“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 2:26

God often speaks at the most unexpected times. One day I was casually talking with a friend about a situation at my job. In the middle of the conversation I said, “This is driving me crazy.” My friend simply looked at me and said, “Only if you let it.”

In five words, my friend had summed up one of the major issues I have been struggling with for years: how do I keep from giving away the peace I have in Christ?

I confess that I am a perfectionist. If something doesn’t go the way I want it to go, I get anxious and upset. I feel out of control.

I have to remember that the peace of God is with me because the Spirit of God is with me. I must keep my mind on the person and promises of God instead of letting circumstances lead me into thoughts of anxiousness. To me, this means remembering some important truths:

•    I am a child of God (Romans 8:14).
•    God is for me, not against me (Romans 8:31).
•    I have the favor of God (Proverbs 8:35).
•    God’s love for me surpasses my understanding of it (Ephesians 3:19).

It takes practice to keep my mind on Jesus and not on the turmoil around me. But when I can do it, I have His perfect peace in the middle of the storm

Lord, help me cooperate with You to keep my peace. Help me focus my mind on You. Amen.

By Debbie West
used by permission

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FURTHER READING

Finding Perfect Peace by Kathy Cheek

Perfect Peace by Phil Ware

Perfect Peace

The post Work For Peace appeared first on Thoughts About God.

I think it would be safe to assume we have all experienced a time when our faith became shaky upon being tested with a difficult and uncertain circumstance.

We have found ourselves in a place of wondering in frustration what God is doing, or sometimes wondering why it seems as if He isn’t doing anything.

This is the place we must take our shaky faith and dig down deep to the foundation of our beliefs and strongly proclaim anew our trust in God. This trust will strengthen us to face the uncertain factors in our lives and not be continually shaken by them.

Trusting God requires us to keep our eyes on Him and not ourselves and circumstances around us.  Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Trusting God invites us to cast our cares on Him and to know they are safe in His hands. 1 Peter 5:6-7 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Trusting God will bring us His peace, and His peace will calm our fears. Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

Trusting God takes my shaky faith and strengthens me and in this strength, I will be steadfast. I will choose to be unshaken. 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

Trusting God is letting my faith rest in the One who is unshaken, unchangeable, the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Malachi 3:6 “For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”

Hebrews 13:8  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.’

James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

By Kathy Cheek
Used by Permission
From: First Breath of Morning: Where God Waits For You Every Day.

FURTHER READING

•  When Someone Disappoints Us
•  We Plan, God Directs

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”You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3

You may want to pull back from social media when you become consumed with how many likes you are receiving.

You may want to pull back from the accolades of men when it is determining your self-worth and your value.

You may want to pull back when you realize you have become addicted to the applause of others and life seems meaningless when you are no longer receiving it.

When you start becoming everything to everyone and your opinion matters more than God’s; it is time to pull back. We should always strive to be a vessel for God and not God Himself. We have been blessed with gifts and talents to strengthen and motivate others, but it should not take precedence over their relationship with God.

Maybe it is time for you to take a time out and examine your life. Are you thirsty for approval? Are you hungry for relationship? It may be time to unplug from social media, technology, and get alone with God. He is able to satisfy the longing within you.

Lord, may we always take joy in doing your will. May we long for your instructions and write them upon on my heart. When we step outside of your will nudge us back in the right direction. Lead us to the place of truth within our inner man to help us understand we no longer need approval of men; we already have your approval. We are fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image. Fill us again until we overflow with more of You in Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

Further Reading

• Finding Perfect Peace –  Kathy Cheek

• Peace and Contentment – A Poem to God by Margaret Mullings

• Peace in the Midst of Pressure – by May Pinckney

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The post It’s Time to Pull Back appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord” Isaiah 26:3

John shared how, during the serious illness and death of his beloved Agnes, God had enveloped him with His perfect peace. Tom spoke with moistened eyes, of how God filled his heart with peace when he lost his job of more than 25 years. Roger and Kim shared how they experienced perfect peace in the loss of their darling two-year-old who had just died of leukemia. Peter had just received the solemn word from his doctor that he had no more than six months to live. What joy, soon he would see his Lord and witness perfect peace!

How can these things be?

Because the Prince of Peace dwells within the heart of every believer and He promised,

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27 (KJV).

God is waiting to pour out His supernatural peace upon all who will trust and obey Him.

In my experience with thousands of businessmen, laymen and students, I have discovered an interesting fact. In a time of crisis when one’s world is crumbling, wealth, fame, power, position, glory, are not important any more. It is inner peace that every man longs for and for which he would gladly give his fortune. But remember that perfect peace comes only to those who walk in faith and obedience. Such peace is not the experience of those who live self-centered lives, violating the laws of God.

Bible Reading: John 14:27-31

Today as a candidate for God’s perfect peace, I will meditate upon His laws and through the enabling of His Holy Spirit, seek to obey His commands.

By Dr. Bill Bright
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•   How to Spend a Day With the Lord

•   A Bible Study on Waiting on God

•   Salvation Explained

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“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3

In January of 1960, two men went where no man had ever gone before … or since.  They plunged into the deepest spot in the ocean at the Marianas Trench … nearly 7 miles down.  That’s a full mile deeper than Mount Everest is tall!

At that depth, the pressure is tremendous… more than 200 million pounds.  And yet, they found life… as tranquil as can be.  No matter the storms that rage on the surface, the ocean below is calm and peaceful.

This is the way our Christian life should be.  No matter what storms rage around us, deep down, we have peace.

Under the greatest pressure, God gives us calm assurance to face every day.

By Vonette Bright

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