Scripture: Isaiah 26:3-4

3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast (fixed, focused and stayed on you), because they trust (with hope and confident expectation) in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

Definition of Key Words

1. GOD

• Creator, Sovereign, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient, etc.
• Our Loving Heavenly Father

2. PROMISE

• a statement that you will certainly do something (Cambridge Dictionary)

3. PERFECT

• exactly right for a particular purpose or situation; being the best possible (Cambridge English Dictionary)

4. PEACE

• calm and quiet; freedom from worry or annoyance, war and violence (Cambridge Dictionary)
• an inner sense of contentment and quietness, regardless of life's circumstances. It is the presence of joy in the midst of unhappiness (Charles F. Stanley)

Shalom (Hebrew)

• "to be safe in mind, body or estate": it refers to an inward sense of completeness, fullness, wholeness and tranquility.

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To be filled with perfect peace and love is to be spiritually healthy and free from all anxiety, turmoil and discord within the soul.

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How to receive God's Perfect Peace

1. THROUGH JESUS CHRIST

Peace I leave with you; my (perfect) peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

6 Do not be anxious (worried) about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends (surpasses, exceeds) all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in (through) Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and the Giver of perfect peace.

This perfect peace is not for anybody or everybody.

• It is for the child of God whose sins have been forgiven and who no longer live in guilt.
• It is for those who have repented of their sins and accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
• It is for those who rest on the finished work of Christ on the Cross for their salvation.

There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.” (Isaiah 48:22; 57:21)

2. THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience, longsuffering), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

What must you do:

• Let the Holy Spirit lead, guide and direct you
• Let Him work out God’s will and plan for your life
• Let Him have control of your life
• Submit yourself to Him and He will fill you with Himself and produce the fruit of peace within you

3. THROUGH GOD'S WORD

Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing (problem or people) can make them stumble. (Psalm 119:165)

What must you do:

• Love God and love His Word
• Read, study, meditate, memorize, believe, and obey His Word
• Let His Word guide and anchor your life and action

Result

• You will have peace with God (Rom.5:1) and the peace of God (Phil.4:7)
• Your conscience will be clear
• Your soul will experience an inward peace, a deep calmness, and a quiet confidence.

4. THROUGH OUR FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD

3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast (fixed, focused and stayed on you), because they trust (with hope and confident expectation) in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:3-4)

Two Childlike Responses from us:

A. Have Faith in God - "whose minds are steadfast"

• A Head issue: with our head we believe that God is the Author and Giver of peace

B. Trust in God Forever - "for He is the Rock eternal"

• Trust: a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something (Oxford Dictionary)
• A Heart issue: With our heart we believe that God will give us what He has promised

GOD'S PROMISE

He will keep = a constant and permanent action

GOD'S GIFT

Perfect Peace = best gift = the Lord Himself - the Prince of Peace within us

A GIFT – therefore it is:

• Not for sale - no price tag
• Not found in any shop, supermarket or mall
• Not offered by any shop, supermarket, mall or person

You cannot buy it.

You can only humbly receive it.

God's Challenge

1. Have Faith in Him (cf. Hebrews 12:2; 13:8)

• Fix your mind on Jesus and not on the problem/crisis
• Meditate on His Presence, Work and Ability

2. Trust Him forever (cf. Proverbs 3:5-6)

• Trust Him with all your heart
• Leave no room for doubt and unbelief
• Expect Him to keep His promises
• Believe that His timing and purposes are perfect

Our Reason: The Lord is the Rock eternal

Our Reward: Perfect peace and rest

We are BLESSED to be a BLESSING

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9)

Aaronic Blessing (Numbers 6:24-26)