PEACE

March 27, 2022

PEACE

March 27, 2022

Our reading this week was Isaiah 24-39. I came upon a passage in chapter 26 and wondered about how it applied to us today with the pandemic, the war and everything else in our world. Isaiah 26:3-4 says “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.”

This scripture is very applicable to us today. Remember, Isaiah was giving God’s prophecy to the Israelites during a time of tribulation and war. This was a time that the Assyrians were trying to expand their empire and there was a decline in Israel.

I would like to go through the verse a little more in depth.

Who is Isaiah talking about? He is talking about the people who trust in the Lord and whose minds are steadfast. In Psalm 23, David shows his trust in the Lord, even during a very difficult time. He says, “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me;”

How do we keep our mind focused on God? It is through prayer and scripture. Romans 8:6 discusses a mind focused on God, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”

Thus, the person Isaiah is speaking about is one who trusts completely in God, is dedicated to God 100%, and has his mind focused on God and His ways.

What kind of peace is Isaiah speaking about? Is it peace from war, financial peace, relationship peace, or inner peace? The word used in Hebrew is shalom and it is used two times in a row (shalom, shalom). The author is emphasizing this peace and that is why it is translated perfect peace. The word means peace, well-being, and wholeness. The peace of God is a peace like no other. John 14:27 says, “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.” John Hamby, in a sermon from November, 14, 2020 says, “The peace of God is the sense of moment-by-moment joy which we have as we trust our Heavenly father in the midst of problems of life. The peace of God is not something you can manufacture, buy or earn. It is a result of a heart that is totally surrendered to God.”

How long are we to trust in the Lord? Forever. God is eternal, and we are to trust Him eternally.

 “for the LORD, the LORD himself” is written in Hebrew as Jah Jehovah. According to the commentary Barnes Notes on the Bible, “The union of these two forms seems designed to express, in the highest sense possible, the majesty, glory, and holiness of God; to excite the highest possible reverence where language fails of completely conveying the idea.”

“Rock eternal” means that God is our refuge throughout all eternity.

Thus, when we trust perfectly in Him, he gives up perfect peace through all eternity because He is the Glorious God and our refuge throughout eternity.

Do you have the peace of God during times of trial? What do you need to do in order to have this?

Please remember to keep this war in your prayers. Pray for the leaders of all of the countries in the world to have wisdom. Pray for the safety of the people in Ukraine. Pray that Putin will have a change in his heart.

Next week we will read Isaiah 40-53.