Perfect Peace

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV

When we think of songs in the Bible, we often think of the book of Psalms. However, there are several in Isaiah; the verse for today comes from one of those titled A Song of Praise in the New International Version.

It's no surprise that we live in a troubled world. Everywhere we turn, there's unrest, genuine and manufactured, which creates anxiety and stress. The content tension in ideological and theological differences proves fertile fodder for the 24x365 new cycle. Amid this backdrop, the world promotes pharmacological aids and advertisements of products with happy, smiling people selling us an escape from apparent reality.

These escapes are temporary, whether the empty promise of the two people sitting side-by-side holding hands in separate bathtubs or the cruiseliner to that perfect paradise destination. At most, these things serve as a brief respite. Only God offers lasting and perfect peace. In him, we can shut out the babbling voices of the media and find refuge.

The scripture also encourages us to remain unwavering in our trust in God. When, like Peter, our faith falters, we take our eyes off Jesus and begin to sink. Constant distractions tempt us to divert our eyes–even if for a moment–by some false promise. As soon as we do this, that old uneasiness settles back in, and we lose that peace. But by focusing on Jesus, we experience his perfect peace.

God, we thank you for your perfect peace. Amid the craziness and chaos of the world around us, we find refuge in you. We confess we sometimes become distracted, and the world's fleeting promises divert our attention. When this begins, please help us recall your perfect peace and settle our gaze firmly on you again. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

You can hear the Song of Praise sung here.