How can we have minds that don’t wander off, don’t wobble out of control? How, Lord? We might say “steady” or “faithful.” But steadfast is more delicious.Ī steadfast mind that’s “stayed on thee” (ASV) produces “sound thoughts” (CEB) that “cannot be changed” (GW). Outside of a Bible study, I could go a whole year and never use the word steadfast. Like the word will above, are sweeps away any sense of maybe. When his life-giving Word is inside there, my thoughts have a safe place to land. That’s the whole point of our weekly studies together: to fix his Word in our hearts and minds.
Here’s God’s sure solution: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2), and while you’re at it, God says, “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds” (Deuteronomy 11:18). Left unchecked by the Holy Spirit, my mind can also drift into dark alleys where jealousy and envy lurk in the shadows, and self-pity sticks out its big foot to trip me. Yes, my heart belongs completely to God, but my mind sometimes wanders down the wrong path. Those who have taken the next step-not with their feet, but with their heads. It’s an ownership word, a possessive word. It’s not very personal sounding, but the fact is, those means us: his followers, his believers, his children, his own. Remember last week’s bracelet? “God has this!” He still does. His sovereignty is how he keeps us in perfect peace. How can we be sure we’re there? “The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will” (Acts 22:14). What is peace? Knowing we are in the center of God’s will. Peace is what everyone wants and few can describe: “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). “Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the Lord (Isaiah 57:19). Some translations make this word perfect by doubling it: “peace, peace” (EXB), “shalom shalom” (OJB). “As for God, his way is perfect” (2 Samuel 22:31).Īnd his perfect way leads, naturally, to… It doesn’t mean we get it right it means God gets it right. This word makes perfectionists twitch, but here’s what it actually means: “constant” (AMP), “true” (ERV), “complete” (EXB), and “whole” (MSG). Years later, I still want to be in: “in God’s sight” (Romans 2:13), “in God’s service” (1 Thessalonians 3:2), “in God’s love” (Jude 1:21) and “in God’s presence” (Hebrews 9:24). Everybody wanted to be part of the in crowd, (Sing it with me, if you know it: “I’m in with the in crowd. Crazy, to park even for two seconds on the word in.īut in high school, in was the end-all, be-all. This is what God does to keep us: “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:16). Like a wedding band, circling a ring finger: close, personal, never out of sight. To keep something of great value, we put it in the safest of places. How I love being a kept woman when God is the One doing the keeping! He will “give” (NIRV) and “guard” (AMP), he will “preserve” (CJB) and “protect” (GW). Such a deep comfort in knowing this to be true. Almost done is worthless until you reach done. Soon becomes two hours later, two days later. “I’ll be right there.” “I’m almost done.” “I’ll get back to you soon.” Unfortunately, I make-and break-a dozen promises a day. This is the kind of promise Eternal God has made to his people. Beyond the parameters of time as we know it. All the way back and all the way forward. “Forever” means eternity in both directions. “I know that everything God does will endure forever” (Ecclesiastes 3:14). It’s a promise that’s already been fulfilled in him and by him. Not maybe, not probably, not shoulda, woulda, coulda. If we think any government in the world can provide it, we are fooling ourselves. If we look for lasting peace elsewhere, we won’t find it. He is only One who can make the promise that’s about to unfold. I’ll try not to wear you out with this, but seriously, every word matters. Just sixteen words in this verse, but every one packed with hope. And he calls us to sing a song of praise simply because he is worthy of it.
But for God’s people, he promises peace in the eye of the storm. Oh my.Ī terrible day for those who’ve turned their backs on God.Ī glorious day for those who’ve put their trust in God.īeloved, that day is going to come as surely, swiftly, and with far more destructive force than any tornado. When is “that day”? The impending day of judgment on the earth. We don’t know the tune, but these are lyrics to a song, since this chapter of Isaiah begins, “In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah.” So, when I opened my Bible to your fourteenth favorite verse, I looked at the page with a lump firmly lodged in my throat. If ever we needed an encouraging word, it’s this week. Tornadoes have claimed too many loved ones, demolished too many homes, torn apart too many lives.
Categories: Blog, The 20 Verses You Love Most
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