“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord for ever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself is the Rock eternal”
There is something wonderfully encouraging and strengthening to the mind and to the spirit when we observe the beauty of God’s creation. I took this photo in the Indian Himalayas a few years ago, as the early morning rising sun’s rays were reflected off the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain. And whenever I contemplate that mighty rock, I sense the presence, the peace and the serenity of our Creator, the Lord God Almighty Himself, as I prepare to face the rigours, problems and pressures that come upon me day by day.
During these times in which we live, there appear to be wave after wave of distressing situations, and news of problems and difficulties come in quick succession, one after another, each seeking to unsettle us, to disrupt and destroy our lives and to rob us of our peace and serenity.
The old song says, “There could be trouble ahead…” Are we surprised? We should not be, for the Lord Jesus Himself tells us that there definitely will be trouble ahead, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble … but take heart, I have overcome the world.”
The problem for many people is that they focus on the difficult situations, on the mountainous obstacles that stand in their way. Their minds are filled with the problems of life so they get bogged down with all the painful pressures and they feel overwhelmed by the questions that they face and the choices and decisions that have to be made. Very often this leads to fears, worries, anxieties and unbearable stress and strains which consume their attention and control their lives. Where can we find peace?
In the words written above, Isaiah is writing from personal experience. He is affirming that the Lord ‘keeps in perfect peace’ those people who fix their hearts and minds steadfastly on Him, putting their trust totally in the Lord God, whatever situation they face. This ‘perfect peace’ is freely available to all those who deliberately choose not to fill their minds with the problems of life, whether real or imagined, but choose to focus their minds and hearts on the Lord, trusting Him with their lives and their future.
The Lord Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
As the relentless, destructive waves rush up the beach of our life day after day, we should focus on the great, unshakeable Rock of rocks, our Creator, the Lord God Almighty, illuminated by the rays of the daily rising sun, showing all the strength, stability and security of His grace, mercy and love.
Are you fearful, anxious, or worried? “cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.”
I pray that, like Isaiah, you will choose to put your faith and trust in the One “Who is the Rock eternal” and then you also, will know “the perfect peace of the Lord Himself” as you steadfastly focus your heart and mind on the Lord and His gracious plans and purposes that He has for you.
Ron Brickman