By Promise, Not by Measure

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (Isa 26:3)

We might say, "My mind is far from continual, perfect peace." The truth is that instead of always trusting in Jesus, we still trust in things outside of Christ... most likely, we trust in our own understanding. Our minds are drawn away, and we drift from our true focus... the Lord Jesus.

At this point we might look back to a peace that we once knew in Christ, or wonder if it was true... even in our best efforts to keep our focus on Jesus, we may find an accusing finger pointing at the rubble of our failure... "You'll never get this right."

If Satan cannot discourage us, he goes to craftier measures... flattery. "My, look how good you are doing!" Either way, the temptation is to focus on ourselves. Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10) We could take Isaiah 26:3 to measure ourselves, but it is far more profitable to memorize it as a promise.

He has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature. (from 2 Pet 1:4) Jesus is teaching us to look away from ourselves, and to trust his promise... to trust in him. He keeps us in perfect peace. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (Phil 3:12)

Lord Jesus, thank you for your promise, where I find true hope and your faithful care. When I look to your promise of peace as a law that I fail, help me to see your hand reaching out, to lift me. Guard me from flattery, that I would continue to grow in your grace, looking to you, my Savior.

A very great and precious promise

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. (Psalm 37:5-6)

You have God's Word on it.