Now that it’s August 1, we can officially let out a sigh of relief that we only have approximately 65 or so days until it cools down. I’m so relieved to know that we’re almost there. At least pre-season football starts Thursday, so that gives me an extra sigh of relief. (Go Cowboys!) Fall is JUST around the corner.
My mind can play tricks on me this time of year. I’m so ready for cooler temps and a good ole’ fashion rainstorm! Just the thought of cuddling up with a book while the rain is pounding on the roof sounds so refreshing. But I’m going to have to wait a bit longer for that yummy fall weather.
How about an August peace of mind? How about making a choice today to enjoy God’s peace, no matter what the circumstances? You see, true peace doesn’t come from the absence of trouble, but from the active and tangible presence of a loving God. You and I can live in the peace of God even when life isn't always to our liking.
I’ve been meditating on a verse found in Isaiah 26:3 this week: “You will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (ESV) Did you see that? Perfect peace. It’s when we are supported by God’s unchanging love, constant presence, and mighty power, we are not shaken by the things that typically shake us. You see, peace doesn’t have anything to do with our circumstances. God’s peace can carry us through anything.
Interesting how in Hebrew, the term ‘perfect peace’ is actually shalom shalom. The repetition in Hebrew communicates the intensity of the word. It’s not just shalom; it is shalom shalom, perfect peace. (Enduringword.com) When we keep our minds settled on the LORD himself, we can be kept in perfect peace.
Where do you set your mind? Is it in the crummy hot weather or all the challenging circumstances? Or living each day with gratitude, joy, and peace? How we think and what we think about matters. Where we set our minds is essential in our relationship with God. “The Hebrew word sawmak (stayed) comes from the root ‘to prop’ and has the idea of ‘to lean upon or take hold of.’” (Enduringword.com) I’m curious, what sustains your mind? What upholds your mind? What does your mind lean on? Are you fixed on the worries of the day? What people think? If this or that will happen? When these things occupy our minds, we struggle for perfect peace. To have this perfect peace, your mind can’t occasionally lean into God when it feels like it, it needs to be stayed on Him.
Maybe it’s time for an August reset? I want an August peace of mind. May God help you and I walk in His peace, day by day.
I’ve been meditating on a verse found in Isaiah 26:3 this week: “You will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (ESV) Did you see that? Perfect peace. It’s when we are supported by God’s unchanging love, constant presence, and mighty power, we are not shaken by the things that typically shake us. You see, peace doesn’t have anything to do with our circumstances. God’s peace can carry us through anything.
Interesting how in Hebrew, the term ‘perfect peace’ is actually shalom shalom. The repetition in Hebrew communicates the intensity of the word. It’s not just shalom; it is shalom shalom, perfect peace. (Enduringword.com) When we keep our minds settled on the LORD himself, we can be kept in perfect peace.
Where do you set your mind? Is it in the crummy hot weather or all the challenging circumstances? Or living each day with gratitude, joy, and peace? How we think and what we think about matters. Where we set our minds is essential in our relationship with God. “The Hebrew word sawmak (stayed) comes from the root ‘to prop’ and has the idea of ‘to lean upon or take hold of.’” (Enduringword.com) I’m curious, what sustains your mind? What upholds your mind? What does your mind lean on? Are you fixed on the worries of the day? What people think? If this or that will happen? When these things occupy our minds, we struggle for perfect peace. To have this perfect peace, your mind can’t occasionally lean into God when it feels like it, it needs to be stayed on Him.
Maybe it’s time for an August reset? I want an August peace of mind. May God help you and I walk in His peace, day by day.
Take a listen and may it be a prayer for your perfect peace: https://www.youtube.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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