Staying The Focus!

Being in the presence of certain people can have a calming effect on us. Even when going where we have not gone before, following someone we trust can keep us at PEACE. Though there are many aspects of life that can bring rise to anxiousness, where are we maintaining our focus?

In Isaiah we read. . .
"(3) You keep him in PERFECT PEACE WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON YOU, because he trusts in you. (4) Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock." ( Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV)
This was part of a song of which it was prophesied the day would come when it would be sung in the land of Judah. It was a song of trust in the protection and provision of God. The idea of the Hebrew word translated "keep" has been described as that of literally guarding as with a garrison of troops. What an encouraging picture of God's watchfulness.

The result such a trust in God's mindfulness would have was that of "PERFECT PEACE" or more literally, "PEACE PEACE" (Hebrew: "shalom shalom"). Real PEACE. Genuine PEACE. Complete PEACE. Not a temporary PEACE, but a lasting PEACE; the kind of PEACE only the everlasting God can provide.

Remember Jesus' words of encouragement to the Disciples prior to His death.
"PEACE I leave with you; MY PEACE I give to you. NOT AS THE WORLD GIVES do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." ( John 14:27 ESV)

The PEACE we can have through our relationship with the Lord is different than what this world offers. The disciples were to face some great challenges, but they could still have the blessing of PEACE. It is only in staying the focus on the Lord that such peace can be experienced.

Paul exhorted those at Philippi. . .
"(6) do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (7) And THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS." ( Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)

I looked up the Greek word translated "guard" in verse seven and -- like the Hebrew in the passage from Isaiah we noted earlier -- it is a military term (phroureo) used for keeping guard or keeping under guard as with a garrison (phrouros). [source: W.E. Vine's "Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words"] Staying the focus on God in "prayer and supplication with thanksgiving" we can experience this blessing of godly PEACE. May we find PEACE in putting all of life's matters into the hands of God!

Have a great day KNOWING WHOSE WATCH WE ARE LIVING UNDER!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Peace