Living in Peace

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Isaiah 26:3 (NASB) “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.

Isaiah 26 was written by Isaiah for the land of Judah as a song of praise for the blessings of the Messiah’s kingdom. Among those blessings is perfect peace. Verses 3 and 4 go together beautifully and provide one of the most meaningful and memorable passages in the Old Testament. Notice how the verses proceed through these phrases and phases:

Perfect Peace. The original Hebrew says that God will keep in shâlom, shâlom those whose minds are stayed on Him. The word shâlom means more than a cessation of conflict. It conveys the idea of wholeness, quietness of spirit, safety, blessing, happiness of heart. The double use of the word multiplies its intensity.

Steadfast Minds. When we fix our thoughts on God, all other concerns shrink to the proper perspective. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth.” Romans 8:6 talks about the mind-set of the Spirit, which is life and peace. We must manhandle anxious thoughts, turning them forcibly toward Christ and making our minds “stay” on Him.

Two factors characterize these people. They have a “frame of mind, perspective, constitution” that is “steadfast”, which implies an undeviating commitment to a purpose, conviction, or person. The idea that the people “are depending” on Egypt is metaphorically signified as the people “leaning” on the staff of Egypt. Isaiah confidently confesses that the people who have a “dependent perspective” (as opposed to a proud self-confident demeanor) will have complete peace because they trust in God. Humble dependence engenders a peaceful trust in God’s abundant strength.

All is peace and sure security on God’s side; all is trust and perfect confidence on the side of man. As we keep our minds on Him, trust Him, and experience His perfect peace, we find daily strength for daily needs. We have strength sufficient, strength eternally. Paul uses this verse in Philippians 4:7, And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

In other words, as believers, we have double peace—not only peace with God because Jesus died for our sins, but also the peace of God as our hearts and minds are stayed on Him.

Discovering Peace