Peace

Peace

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

Isaiah 26:3-4

Some years ago our family rented a cottage at Honey Rock Camp in northern Wisconsin. The cottage was far off the beaten path—down a gravel road, off a smaller dirt lane, and nestled amidst some fragrant pine trees. Set on a little rise, the cottage overlooked a small river and came complete with a rope tied to a tree limb above—perfect for swinging and plunging into the river. What an ideal place to take three young boys!

In the early morning and at dusk the river was especially still. At times it became a mirror, reflecting the trees, sky, and everything else above it. The river was the perfect picture of peace.

Many times in life, things aren’t as serene as the river outside our cottage. The storms of life churn up the water, we begin to feel overwhelmed, and it may seem as though we’ll be carried away by strong currents.

But Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). He said this shortly after he reminded Philip that those who had seen him had really seen the Father. Jesus was identifying himself with the Great Jehovah, God the Father.

When the rivers of our lives are churning, Jesus reminds us that we must fix our thoughts on him—on his strength, love, and faithfulness. We must choose to rest in his care and good plans for our lives.

The hymn writer Frances Havergal put it this way:

Like a river glorious is God’s perfect peace,

Perfect, yet it floweth fuller ev’ry day,

Perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way.

Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest—

Finding as He promised perfect peace and rest.^a

Lord God,

Thank you for the peace you offer us as we trust in you. Help us to keep our thoughts fixed on you. In Jesus’ name, amen.