I use the King James Version for today’s focus scripture because that version is what I used years ago to memorize these verses. They are from the “Song of Isaiah” to be sung to the nation of Judah. They refer to a future time of judgment and restoration. A hostile power (unnamed by Isaiah) will be overthrown and the people will have “perfect peace” because their minds are “stayed” (centered, focused, fastened, kept continually) on Jehovah and their strength is from Him alone.
Our entire world and individuals within it are in a state of discord, upheaval and unrest. We are as Jeremiah the prophet wrote, “For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace: when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 8:11). I hear friends say that they do not listen to the daily news anymore because there is so much crime, war, poverty, distrust and upheaval in our communities, nation and world today they get too depressed just listening to the bad news. Yet we cannot turn deaf ears to conditions and hope they will go away just because we don’t like to hear about them. How can we be involved with needs and pray for ourselves and others unless we are aware? The Word gives us assurance that peace is possible even in times such as we live.
The person will be kept in “perfect peace” whose mind is stayed on God. This indicates that peace is not dependent upon outward circumstances but on a solid inner relationship. It begins first as a vertical connection—person to God. The original Hebrew renders “shalom, shalom” (the word peace written twice) for “perfect peace.” Shalom conveys much more than absence of conflict. It carries the idea of wholeness, quietness of spirit, blessings. It is a sense of fulfillment that comes from God and is dependent upon His presence in the life. Shalom indicates a right relationship with him. “Shalom, shalom” intensifies the meaning to make it, in English, come forth as perfect peace—that which we cannot generate ourselves but which is a gift from God. From Him we receive “every good and every perfect gift” (James 1:17).
To have a mind “stayed” on God is to “Set your mind on what is above, not on what is on the earth.” Someone has aptly observed that we stay our minds on heaven, but we have to live on earth. The equilibrium of mind and perfect peace that God gives the individual prepares the person to handle anxious thoughts and concerns. We focus on Crist and not on crisis; develop dependence on Him, our sure deliverer. And the wonderful reward of this peace-seeking is “everlasting strength.” I like the glorious hymn—both its words and music—entitled “Like a River Glorious.” Frances Havergal (1836-1879) wrote: “Like a river glorious Is God’s perfect peace,/Over all victorious In its bright increase;/Perfect, yet it floweth Fuller every day;/ Perfect, yet it growth, Deeper all the way. Stayed upon Jehovah, Hearts are fully blessed; Finding as He promised, Perfect peace and rest.” Please reread Isaiah 26:3-4. Then, if you have a hymnal with this beautiful hymn in it, turn to it, read the words—or sing it, giving thanks to God for His “perfect peace.” How wonderful to know that amidst trials, conflicts and far-from-ideal conditions God can give us “perfect peace” in the storms of life!
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