Today’s Reading:
Psalm 135
Isaiah 26:1-15 (3-4)
Mark 12:18-27
You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You – in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation]. trust [confidently] in the Lord forever [He is your fortress, your shield, your banner], For the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].
(Vv.3-4 AMPFV)
Isaiah 26 is a psalm of trust, praise and meditation. Verse 1 talks about the day of the Lord when Christ will establish His kingdom (chapter 12). In our relationships and the world around us, we can never avoid misunderstanding and strife, but with the help of God, we can enjoy perfect peace, even in turmoil. When we are devoted to God, our whole attitude is steady and stable. By the support of His unchanging love and mighty power, we are not shaken by the surrounding chaos (Philippians 4:6-7). It is the will of God to keep us all in perfect and constant peace, but this can be possible only when our mind is steadfast and focused on Him.
Verses 1-6 presents a picture of what the new community of God’s people would be like. Zion, the eternal city of God, where God is present to protect, and bless his people, and they will be securely held together by the Lord Himself. They would be righteous, faithful, peaceful, and trusting. Zion stands in contrast to the ‘mighty cities’ of nations of the world (Isa. 25:2; 26:5), which are helpless and are brought down to ruins. The walls of God’s salvation protectively enclose his people; no one can hurt them again. Open access is given to all those who are righteous and faithful, and who love God and His Messiah, The citizens of Zion are committed to the Lord (v. 2). Perfect peace which is marked by harmony, quietness, and confidence is the benefit of God’s new creation. Specifically, in verse 3 God promises to keep in perfect and constant peace all believers whose minds are steadfast and focused on Him. The Hebrew idiom for this type of peace is ‘shalom, shalom.’ A superlative deep peace, a total peace. This brings to mind Paul’s words in Philippians 4:7 (NLT) that “God’s peace, exceeds whatever we can understand or imagine … and will guard our hearts and minds as long as we live in Christ Jesus.”
As you read this message, are you anxious, worrying about issues you have no control over? Or you are having persistent frightening dreams? Cancel the authority backing bad dreams by the blood of Jesus and the mercy of God. You should stop worrying and turn your thoughts on Jesus so that you will experience His perfect peace. Jesus in John 14:27 told us before His death that “Peace I leave with you, my [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do, I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge]”. God is eternal Rock, not sand, no shifting, no changing of moods. He is a great, unchanging Rock. He was there when we were being conceived, being born, and He will be there after we have passed on beyond this life. So, trust Him! But then, to benefit from this constant perfect peace, you must have surrendered your life to Jesus Christ – been ‘born again’!
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: Father, thank you for Jesus Christ. Forgive my sins, take control of my heart and lead me in your righteous path by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord. If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
God, I declare that You are my God and I exalt You.
Father, I trust confidently in You, You are my everlasting Rock.
I praise Your name because You have done miraculous things planned long ago for me, in Your mercy, continue to fulfil those purposes with perfect faithfulness, in Jesus' name.
O Lord, deliver my mind from riotous thoughts, in Jesus' name.
O Lord, gather together every disintegrated organ of my body and make me function to the glory of Your holy name, in Jesus' name.
Lord, I focus my gaze on the risen Christ; every distraction crumble and be grounded to dust, in Jesus' name.
Father, visit every troubled Christian home with Your mercy, and heal spiritual wounds, unite the husband in Your love so they can fulfil Your purpose for marriage, in Jesus' name.
O Lord, rescue the perishing, deliver those in captivity, snatch those in bondage in pity, care for the dying, and transform lives, in Jesus' name.
We commit the leaders of the Church to Your care, Lord; grant them the fear of You in all their decisions, in Jesus' name.
King of glory, the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle, intervene in the affairs of nations of the world, especially our nation Nigeria, in Jesus' name.
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