You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3
Have you ever experienced God's perfect peace? That sense of calm and security that is completely inexplicable in the midst of life's chaotic circumstances? Have you ever wondered how you can even be upright in light of the storms swirling all around you?
I have.
As a matter of fact, I find myself there right now.
My neat little world was rocked a couple of weeks ago. Something fairly simple, but it has simply sent me into a tailspin. For about two weeks, I didn't sleep. Every waking moment was spent trying to make sense of the situation. If I wasn't trying to make sense of the situation, I was trying to weigh my response, figure out exactly how I was going to choose my next move. I have spent a lot of time trying to decipher what God would have me do. At every turn, I seemed to get a different direction.
Oh, the turmoil deep within my soul!
No doubt, that turmoil was intermittent. I would hear the sweet whispers of my Savior, reminding me that He was in control. It was so obvious he had been preparing me for this turmoil well in advance. My biggest struggle was between two extremes, both that definitely seemed to be in line with what God was telling me. I kept reminding Him I wanted to walk in complete and immediate obedience, but also reminding Him that I needed complete clarity.
In spite of finding a moment of clarity, it has still been difficult to still my soul.
Until Tuesday.
At every turn, I saw Romans 8:28:
And we know that in all things God works for the goodof those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Not just once.
Not just twice.
Not just while reading my Bible.
Not just in a song.
But when a friend sent it to me.
When a neighbor quoted it.
When I read my Bible.
Just ringing through my mind when I woke in the morning.
Yes, God has calmed my soul this week with His precious promise, a promise I've known and experienced many times within my life.
My circumstances have not changed. The uncertainty, anger, frustration from things out of my control is still there.
But the peace?
His perfect peace?
It guards my heart and mind. My soul is at rest in Him.
If my circumstances haven't changed, what has changed?
My mindset.
You see, God's word is full of this truth, that setting our mind on things (Colossians 3:2) above leads us to Him.
That when we pray about everything with prayer and supplication and think on things that are lovely and noble and true and right, we experience His peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-9).
That we must take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
That our peace is from the Prince of Peace and that when we cast our cares on Him, we find that He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
That there's no sweeter, no safer place than with our Heavenly Father whose gifts are far greater than we can ever imagine!
What does the future hold? I don't know.
Where will I be 3 months from now? Six months from now? A year from now? I don't know.
What is my next step? The step after that? I don't know.
What I do know is that I am seeking to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). That means I don't know the future, but I do trust God to take me one step at a time. For today, I will follow what I know and trust that He will show me the next step when He's ready to reveal that to me.
Can I just tell you that God's perfect peace is so sweet? If you don't know it, please focus your mind on Him. It's a gift I want everyone to experience!
