THE SOURCE OF PEACE

Russ Ortiz was an outstanding baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. In fact, in one season he won twenty-one games.

On one occasion, a reporter asked him how he kept calm in situations when it looked like he would lose control of the game. Quickly he replied, “When I am on the mound and need a calming experience, I look under the bill of my cap. You see, I keep a Bible verse there,” he explained. “When I started doing it,” he continued, “it helped me put things in perspective.”

The Christian is never guaranteed a life free from stress, strife, or the challenges of the world. Being a disciple of Christ does not promise us of quiet paths and calm waters. But it does assure us that when we keep our minds securely focused on God and His Word, we will know perfect peace even in the most turbulent times.

Isaiah, in a song of praise to the Lord, wrote, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You!”

This is a powerful promise for every believer. His Word and His faithfulness provide all of the assurance that we need to know that He will give us perfect peace. It exceeds all of the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that we find in the writings of worldly authors. In Him, we have everything we need: His eternal and unchanging love. When we accept this fact, there is no reason for us to fear the chaos that confronts us or the confusion that surrounds us. He gives us peace.

 Prayer:  Lord, may we accept the peace that You offer us through Your Son, our Savior. Help us to rely on Him and His power to protect and preserve us in all things. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You! Isaiah 26:3