“One-A-Week Challenge” – Week 11

“You keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You!”

Isaiah 26:3 NLT

The ideal of peace is something for which all humanity seems to strive..  In the face of the reality of global conflicts, battles, and wars, the world calls for peace but none seems forthcoming.  American Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote “And in despair I bowed my head; ‘There is no peace on earth’ I said; ‘For hate is strong, and mocks the song of peace on earth, good-will to men!’”[1]  This verse from a Christmas carol  was based on the 1863 poem he wrote in the midst of the United States Civil War, but is appropriate to much more than that era.

Peace is illusive because it is in opposition to human nature.  We live in a fallen world which is under the rule of Satan.  Jesus referred to him as “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31), and Paul calls him “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), and “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). John makes a further distinction when he says: “We know that we are of God, and the whole world is in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19).

Remember Satan is a liar and always lies.  Nothing this world tells you is ultimately true.  The world’s system may contain some true things but it is not truth.  Jesus said in John 17:17 that the Word of God is truth and from His Word comes Peace.

God is the Author of peace and He gives, keeps, and promises peace.  Remember peace is not simply the absence of conflict but is the confidence in the midst of conflict.  Peace is not an idea it is a person. This week’s verse promises us that we will have peace as the result of our minds being resolutely firm and unwavering in our trust in God!