Peace – Isaiah 26:3
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You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Isaiah 26:3 (New Living Translation)
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3 (New King James Version)
People with their minds set on you,
you keep completely whole,
Steady on their feet,
because they keep at it and don’t quit.
Isaiah 26:3 (The Message)
When my oldest boy became a freshman in high school, he decided that he wanted to go and live with his father. I think there were a lot of reasons why he made this decision. He knew that he would have more of a free reign at his father’s house and also his girlfriend lived in the same town as his dad. The football program in the school where his dad lived had a much better record than where we lived and football was his life. His dad did not make him go to church, even though he promised me that he would. He was impossible to be around at our house, because he decided one day that he didn’t have to listen to my husband because that was not his father and things got really bad at our house. I can remember telling God that very night that my son told us that he wanted to live with his dad, that I couldn’t let my son go, it wasn’t better for him, I told God that I couldn’t let him go and I was looking up into the sky saying “God no, I can’t do this. Please don’t let this happen”. Then a star fell from the sky and I felt as if God was telling me it would be okay. I was never the same when he left our home and it affected me really bad and I struggled for over a year trying to deal with it. He started drinking and taking pills and who knows what else. It was like a mothers nightmare come true. But I said all of that to say this: One day God spoke to me through this very scripture and opened my eyes so clearly. I wanted to have a peace about my son’s decision but I never could find it, and God told me to get my eyes off of myself and focus on Him and that is when I found my peace. I am so glad our God is so patient in teaching us, you see I thought that I had to raise my son. But I had to just pray and have faith that God was in control, and my son has went through some deep valleys but whether I understand why he has had to face this or not it is all a part of God’s plan, and we all know that God’s way is perfect. I love this scripture!!!!! Thanks for this website and all that you do to keep it going.
Sandy
Sandy, what a story. I’ll pray that God brings you peace and will keep your son in our prayers as well.
God’s word is there for us and this site and email list is an attempt to spread the word through the internet. I hope that it will continue to bless others through His word.
Sandy, thank you for your story. Your words spoke to me. I too need to get the focus off me and my trails and put them on Him. Thanks for opening my eyes to this! Sending blessings and prayers.
Sandy,
Recently my children’s father and I separated. I am a Christian and their father does things that sometimes worries me. I have been worried that in the future they too, will want to live with their dad because, like you, it may seem like more freedom and fun. Thank you for the reassurance that God is in control and no matter how much I worry about the future, He is the one who cares and knows our every need. I will pray for you and your son that he may know Jesus and realize that He is the only answer and way to live.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Lyn
Thank you for those lovely scriptures about peace! I have experienced a real need for the peace of God. When I start to get unsettled I know that I need God’s peace. I usually ask my husband to pray for peace for myself. When he prays I experience the beautiful peace that Jesus gave us.
I find that I lose that peace when I take my eyes off Jesus or when I start to fear. I find that I lose that peace when I start to do things in my own strength instead of abiding in the Vine which is Jesus. I lose my peace when I forget that I obey God because I have a revelation of His Love for me. I lose my peace when I do things to please people rather than God.
I have had to repent of self-righteousness and spiritual pride because those sins have caused me to lose the peace that Jesus gave me.
I pray for anyone reading this that they would experience the peace of God which comes from faith in Jesus Christ. I pray they would know peace deep inside. I pray they would know that because of what Jesus did on the Cross they now have peace with the Father.
In the precious Name of Jesus Christ, my Loving and Eternal Saviour,
Imogen
I’m a believer who takes seriously (by the grace of God) scripture against fornication, so was celibate prior to marriage, was faithful in a long marriage, and returned to celibacy since it ended over 8 years ago.
And the lack of touch (even “just” hugs) makes it impossible for me to have “perfect peace”. Since we are made to need touch (babies actually die if they are fed but never touched)
I have no problem making and keeping friends, so it’s not like I’m a social outcast or never get the casual hello/goodbye hugs. But, I am talking the touch that comes from the opposite sex…to be held warmly, stroked gently on my arms…and the “more” that would be acceptable in marriage.
I keep myself busy–even volunteering to help others less fortunate in ways which I am blessed not to have to struggle. I participate regularly in worship of God and Bible study, but this haunting physical loneliness remains. Please don’t suggest (as some have) that I buy any “products”. I am talking about human touch in a meaningful relationship….I am asking seriously for Godly wisdom from anyone’s own successful battle in this area. Thank you.
God is in charge. I must keep repeating this fact, because I forgret it easily; especially when things are going well. For me Faith has been the easy part. Hope is another story. Yes family members can cause us much pain. Sometimes my happiness is dependent on how happy they are. This is faulty thinking. God is the Father of this person who is my earthly son, brother, niece, etc.; not I. This means that I can still lovingly care for their well being and the direction of their lives, however God supercedes me as their Creator and guardian. I pray that all of my loved ones will be saved in eternity and will have a decent life in this world. Trust in God. He is the One and only One who is driving the bus.