Today’s thought is a little bit different from my normal thoughts. I enjoy studying God’s Word in depth. So, the first thing we need to know when we read God’s Word is that some of God’s promises are called “conditional” while others are called “unconditional” promises.  In order for an unconditional promise to be fulfilled, it rests solely on the responsibility of God. However, in order for a conditional promise to be met it depends on certain requirements.

     Let us explore a familiar passage in great detail, Isaiah 26:3. The CSB version of Isaiah 26:3 reads, “You will keep in perfect peace the mind [that is] dependent [on You], for it is trusting in You.”

Point #1: It is essential that we immerse ourselves in the teachings of God’s Word-that means look at Scripture in context, pray for understanding, look at the meaning of words in the Greek and/or in Hebrew (words matter), and understand the background story of a particular book and/or chapter. Upon examining Isaiah, it becomes evident that the book was authored by the prophet Isaiah. He wants the Kingdom of Judah to turn back to God and worship Him. When I read verse 26, it is a conditional promise-if I do this then God will do that.

Point #2: God is responsible for “perfect peace”. He is the originator/creator of peace. If you and I need peace, then we must go to the One who can give it to us! When verse 3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace…” that lets me know that God is responsible for providing peace! So, when is perfect peace promised to me? When is it promised to you? Well, we will have this perfect peace when we do two things: keep our minds stayed on Him (Jesus) and trust Him!

Point #3: Staying focused on Jesus is a constant state-never stop! The sole method to ensure that our concentration remains undisturbed by the cares of this world is by depending on our Helper, the Holy Spirit. Our peace or lack of peace is determined not only by our thought life but by OUR POSITION!

Point #4: What is your position in Christ? How is your relationship? Are you meditating on His Word day and night? Do you only talk to Him when life is going downhill? When do you engage in communion with Him? Is your communication a one-way event, all you and no Jesus? I will say it again, our peace or lack of peace is determined not only by our thought life but by OUR POSITION! Have you positioned yourself to have “perfect peace”?

Point #5: “Shalom, Shalom”. I discovered that the words “perfect” and “peace” in the Hebrew for this verse both mean, “Shalom”. I thought to myself that this was odd. But the blessing and the shout of this whole thought is this…. when I read this verse, it literally means, “You keep me in PEACE PEACE whose mind is stayed on you.” I am not a huge stickler in the prophecy of numbers. However, when I researched the meaning of the number two, my eyes immediately were drawn to the word, “partnership”. Because God is already peace, He will have peace with or with my “partnership”. However, when I link up with Him, the God of Peace, then I can partner with Him by focusing on Him and trusting Him. Then and only then we can experience this perfect peace-this “SHALOM, SHALOM”!

Let’s Go Deeper: How can you partner with God and apply Isaiah 26:3 to your life?

1. Focus on Jesus-reading God’s Word, meditating on Scripture, praying, worshipping, and trusting God!
2. Pray for focus!
3. Pray for intentionality!