Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Earlier this year, a tourist posing for a picture sat on a chair displayed in a museum in Italy. The chair, valued at $50,000 and studded with Swarovski crystals, immediately collapsed beneath him. It was never designed to hold any weight.
The word “steadfast” in Isaiah 26:3 is derived from the Hebrew word, סָמַךְ (saw-mak). It means to prop; to lean upon, or to take hold of. A mind that is steadfast is a mind that is propped up by or leaning upon Yahweh. Verse 26:4 goes on to tell us that “the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal.” When our minds remain steadfast, or positioned to lean upon the Lord, our foundation is solid, and we experience peace.
Advent reminds us that there are seasons of waiting. In these seasons, we may be tempted to lean on foundations that give us the illusion of peace. Foundations such as our own solutions or understanding (see Proverbs 3:5), rumination, avoidance and procrastination are not designed to carry the weight of our circumstances. Any peace that they offer will be fleeting.
During periods of uncertainty, we are reminded that peace comes from leaning our thoughts on the unwavering presence of Yahweh, and trusting in Him, the Rock eternal.
Apply:
- Where are you tempted to lean when you’re feeling anxious or stressed?
- How do seasons of waiting impact where you direct your thoughts?
- What are some practices that place your mind in a posture of leaning on the Lord, the Rock eternal?
Andrea Mitchell
Pray
- Pray for the ministries that meet each week.
- Pray for our search for a new senior pastor. Pray for God’s timing in the process, for patience, for peace, for unity in our church family.
- Pray for the candidate the Lord is calling to be our next senior pastor.
- Pray for our pastoral staff: Dan Schroth, Mike Bartusek, David Schneider, Brianna Pearson, Nathanael Trinh, Melissa Chaffee, and Terry Okken.