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Isaiah 26:3 - Peace That Surpasses All Understanding.Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! INTRODUCTION We can never avoid strife in the world around us, but with God we can know perfect peace even in turmoil. When we are devoted to him, our whole attitude is steady and stable. Supported by God's unchanging love and mighty power, we are not shaken by the surrounding chaos (see Philip. 4:7). Do you want peace? Keep your thoughts on and your trust in God. [Life Application SB] Those who take Christ at His word, and surrender their souls to His keeping, their lives to His ordering, will find peace and quietude. Nothing of the world can make them sad when Jesus makes them glad by His presence. In perfect acquiescence there is perfect rest.... Our lives may seem a tangle; but as we commit ourselves to the wise Master Worker, He will bring out the pattern of life and character that will be to His own glory. {DA 331} COMMENTARY PEARL Picture-taking is a passion my husband and I share, especially macro and close-up shots. Macro photography is taking a picture of something small and showing it as larger than it truly is. As we walk through our garden with cameras in hand, we focus on specific blooms. In one image, a red rose's delicate petals fill the frame edge to edge, its intricate beauty visibly enhanced. In another, a bee nestles into a different blossom's pollen. Its legs coated yellow, its important task is now magnified in our hearts. The main reason I love this form of photography is that it makes a solitary item the point of interest. No distractions like cars driving by, the accumulation of mud on the side of the shed, or any other sights that can confuse or clutter the background. The finished photo is a lone, calming flower. Nothing else dilutes the image. Sometimes life seems like a bewildering jumble of distractions, be it bills, illness, or even an unkind word directed toward me. My thoughts stray away from my focus - Jesus and His beautiful, multifaceted creation. At times, it is easy for negativity to envelop me with anger, depression, or jealousy. But Jesus is like the calming lone flower. With Him as my solitary point of interest, there are no distractions. I read Isaiah 26:3 and know Jesus will provide me peace as I keep my focus on Him. Picturing Him, alone, His perfect peace is magnified. Heidi Gaul Faith Step: Set aside an hour to place your complete focus and attention on Jesus, to pray or read Scripture, or both. Magnify Him and give Him glory, rejoicing in the peace that flows over you. [Mornings With Jesus 2023 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] ONE LINERS For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7b (NKJV) What consumes your mind controls your life. [Brother Lawrence/Alan Vermilye] PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Do You Want Peace? Keep Your Thoughts On And Your Trust In God. [Life Application SB] Those Who Take Christ At His Word, And Surrender Their Souls To His Keeping, Their Lives To His Ordering, Will Find Peace And Quietude. Nothing Of The World Can Make Them Sad When Jesus Makes Them Glad By His Presence. {DA 331} Set Aside An Hour To Place Your Complete Focus And Attention On Jesus, To Pray Or Read Scripture, Or Both. Magnify Him And Give Him Glory, Rejoicing In The Peace That Flows Over You. [Mornings With Jesus 2023 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] For As He Thinks In His Heart, So Is He. Proverbs 23:7b (NKJV) What Consumes Your Mind Controls Your Life. [Brother Lawrence/Alan Vermilye] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Isaiah 26:3 - Peace That Surpasses All Understanding. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240308-0905.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200303-1410.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2018/20180112-1003.html Philippians 4:6-7 - Peace Beyond Understanding. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190511-1519.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |