ICS daily Devotions
God Focused Peace
Isaiah 26:3-4 (Amplified) “You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation]. “Trust [confidently] in the Lord forever [He is your fortress, your shield, your banner], For the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].
Do you realise that the peace of God is being stolen from us whenever we hear of any negative reports or go through unpleasant experiences in life? We have had our fair share of bad news in the world recently, so how do we keep the peace of God in our hearts and our minds as we patiently wait for breakthrough in the current circumstances? The answer can be found in the Bible.
The opposite of peace is anxiety, worry, or feeling unsettled in our hearts and minds because we have heard negative news or are experiencing adversities in our lives. It is like a stone being thrown into a pond causing a ripple effect on the surface, disturbing the peace and tranquillity. Some people may even experience panic attacks if they become overwhelmed by their circumstances or have over-processed information to the point where they see no hope of a deliverance.
The opening Scripture says that the peace that is offered by God is obtained by focusing on God, who is our refuge, strong tower, pillar of strength and covenant partner who will face every situation with us. Our problem is His problem because covenant partners have pledged to go through all challenges in life together. Covenant partners have shared resources including wisdom and strength, so we can draw on God’s grace, peace, and strength during such times. The word peace is shalom in Hebrew, which means to be safe and sound, healthy, unscathed, at peace, completed, uninjured in mind or body. It signifies a sense of well-being and harmony both inwardly and outwardly, health, wholeness, happiness, quietness of soul, preservation, prosperity, tranquillity, security, safety and includes all that makes life worthwhile.
It is God’s desire for us to have peace in our hearts and minds, and to experience shalom in our lives. It is a holistic prosperity where we are well in our spirit, soul, and body. This desire of God is consistent in the Old Testament and the New Testament, and the key in keeping this shalom is to keep our focus on God and His Word, especially His promises and all that He has attained for us in Christ.
Sermon Series: Keeping the Peace of God
