January 21: Perfect Peace

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. - Isaac 26:3

Isaiah 26:3 is one of the Old Testament's most beloved verses: a promise of peace made possible by remaining focused on God. But it's the context of this promise that makes it so inviting. Israel was anticipating the Day of the Lord, when God would rain down judgment upon His people's enemies. Although their present circumstances were full of turmoil, the Israelites had no reason to be anxious. Rather, they were to keep their minds "stayed" (focused steadfastly) on the strength of God.

The image of battles is a good one for all who desire to keep their hearts and minds in peace. Christians are in a battle, for sure (2 Corinthians 10:3--6; Ephesians 6:10-18). We battle against principalities and powers that would seek to take our minds off the God of our salvation. Anything the devil can do to make us doubt God's love, Christ's  sufficiency, and the power of the Holy Spirit, he will do. Peace is kept by staying focused on who God is and what God says.

Today, before heading into battle, focus your mind on the great and precious promises of God by which you will be kept in perfect peace.

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It is in the way of truth that real peace is found. - Charles H. Spurgeon