“You keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” — Isaiah 26:3
The word of our Lord Jesus Christ to us as believers is to know that He has conquered the world on our behalf. Therefore, we should not let our hearts or minds be troubled by what is going on around us, or by any troubles, suffering, pain, trials, afflictions, opposition, or persecution that we may be experiencing. For all these things are a testing of our faith.
As the Bible says, “the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 1:6–7).
Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Therefore, in all these things, if God is for us, who can be against us? And if God is with us, whom shall we fear? (Romans 8:31; Psalm 118:6).
In all these things, we are already victorious and more than conquerors through Christ our Lord. So, we should not let our hearts be troubled or be afraid (Romans 8:37; John 14:27). As God’s dearly loved and redeemed children, we have overcome those who are in the world, because “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
Our God is faithful and true to all His promises and His Word. He has sent His Word to the ends of the earth, and none of it shall fail or return to Him empty. All His Word shall accomplish the purpose for which He sent it (Isaiah 55:10–11). Therefore, we should keep our focus on our Lord Jesus Christ, trusting in His promises and holding firmly to our faith (Hebrews 12:1–2).
Jesus has left His peace with us—the peace that the world cannot give. He said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you” (John 14:27). He ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of God, waiting patiently until His enemies are made a footstool for His feet (Mark 16:19; Hebrews 10:12–13).
All the Lord’s enemies shall perish; all those who oppose Him shall be scattered and shattered (Psalm 68:1–2; Psalm 92:7). Therefore, we should continue to look to the hills, from where our help comes. Our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1–2).
He will not let the sun harm us by day nor the moon by night. The Lord Himself watches over us and preserves us from all evil (Psalm 121:5–8).
God is faithful and true to all His promises and His Word, which are life and spirit. Jesus said, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63). His perfect peace is given to us as we keep our eyes fixed on the author and perfecter of our faith, our Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:2).
Let His indwelling Spirit lead us and strengthen us in His everlasting ways (Romans 8:14; Psalm 139:23–24). For He who has started a good work in us will not stop, but will continue to strengthen and sanctify us by His Word until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6; John 17:17).
So, brothers and sisters in Christ, let us persevere and endure. Let us humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, knowing that our present and temporary afflictions are nothing compared with the glory that is to come (1 Peter 5:6; 2 Corinthians 4:17–18; Romans 8:18).
Therefore, let the Lord’s perfect peace, which He left with us, guide our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Let us keep our focus upon Him, trust in His unfailing promises, and remain steadfast in faith, knowing that He who called us is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24; Hebrews 10:23).
The Lord is our peace. He is our strength. He is our refuge. He is our salvation.
Shalom.