KEPT IN PERFECT PEACE
You will keep in perfect peaceH7965 all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixedH5564 on you!
Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
Isaiah 26:3-4 (NLT)
The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance defines the Hebrew word “fixed” in this way:
H5564 çâmak, saw-mak’; a primitive root; to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense):—bear up, establish, (up-) hold, lay, lean, lie hard, put, rest self, set self, stand fast, stay (self), sustain. (32)
The Hebrew word translated “fixed” can mean to be propped up, leaning upon, resting on the object which in this case is the Lord. When we are “fixed” on Jesus, it is as if we are super-glued to Him. Peace and rest go hand in hand. When we experience perfect peace, we can relax and rest because we are free from fear or concern. Rest is not always cessation from activity, but rather not feeling frantic in our activity. This is the result of an intimate relationship with our Savior, our Rock, Jesus.
Peace is not necessarily the absence of turmoil. It is relying on Christ as He takes you through the storm, not being moved from your faith by difficult circumstances.
How can we grasp hold of this type of peace? Isaiah 26:3 tells us that our thoughts need to be fixed on the Lord, cemented to Him. How do we do this? As we have stated before, memorize God’s promises regarding your peace of mind. Think on God’s goodness and lean on His truth.
Something that helps both of us refocus our thoughts in times of trouble is worshiping the Lord in song or even listening to songs about His faithfulness, His peace, He mightiness. For example, listen and maybe sing along with the Gaither Vocal Band since the lyrics are provided as they worship Him wholeheartedly with the song “My Feet Are on the Rock.”
Father, we thank You for Your word and for those who write songs that help us internalize truths from Your word. Help us, especially during difficult times, to focus our thoughts on Your unchanging grace.