Oceans in the Desert

By Kathi Pelton

I wrote the following article three years ago. It came up today on my Facebook Memories and it is even more fitting today then it was then. I pray it blesses you!

Perfect Peace

In a world that is in constant chaos it can be a challenge to find peace. Yet we are told in Isaiah 26:3 that if we trust in the Lord and keep our minds on Him that we will not only have peace— but perfect peace.

Now, I don’t know about you but most of the battles that I face are fought on the battlefield of my mind. When earthly circumstances challenge my heavenly hope (faith) the initial battle is played out in my mind. Who will I trust? Will I trust in my natural means to fix the circumstances? Will I trust God? Will I let the storm dictate my direction or will I allow peace to keep me on the path of righteousness?

Will I live with merely a “sense of peace” or will I press in to obtain “perfect peace?”

Let’s just be honest; one of the battles that all mankind faces revolves around money and resources! Having resources (money or needed supplies) can give a real “sense of peace” that often can keep us from having to face some of life’s storms that lack can cause.

I remember an extended season of time in our family when we had more than enough in our bank account to take care of our own needs and even be able to help others in need. My husband’s business was prospering greatly. When our car needed new tires or had an engine problem we merely took it into our mechanic and told him to fix the problem. We didn’t lose peace because we knew that we had what we needed to pay for the problem to be fixed. If one of our children came to us with a need, I easily could say, “Dad and I will take care of that for you!” Our bills were paid early, our gas tanks were full, our kitchen had all of the food we needed and we gave generously to others without leaving us in need. Now, we know that money cannot fix the needs of relational issues or sickness but I wanted to give you an example of how a circumstantial blessing can give us a sense of peace.

Now let’s talk about perfect peace!

Perfect peace goes beyond a “sense of peace”. Money can come to an end; we can lose a job, economies can change or even tragedies can happen that money cannot fix. Then what? Where did that sense of peace go?

Whether we are in abundance or in great need, we need to nurture and practice living in the place of perfect peace. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are the only sure thing! God never shifts or changes, He’s never unavailable, He’s never broke, sick or tired. We can go to Him day and night and know that His character remains true and perfect.

He will come into our storm tossed boat and calm the waves, speaking those familiar words. “Peace be still.” He has authority over EVERY earthly thing. Although He does not promise that the storms will not come, He does promise His perfect peace to calm you in the midst of the storm. The only condition to that promise is that we trust Him and keep our minds steadfast upon Him. We dwell on things above!

Are you in a storm today? When I begin to feel the battle in my mind I replace the anxious thoughts with the truths found in the Word! Every anxious question is answered with a promise of His peace and faithfulness. He then speaks the words, “Come into the safety of My perfect peace.” I don’t have to fix my eyes on my the lack or where earthly supply will come from because He has everything that I need. He has everything that you need. He is inviting you into this place of perfect peace as well. Breathe deep and enter in.

Isaiah 26:3 in the Amplified Bible says,

“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

It’s time to fix our minds (our thoughts, affections and focus) upon Him with confidence in the fact that He is who He says He is! Trust Him even when answers seem delayed. Lean on Him with absolute confidence. Then, His peace will guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:7). In a world of uncertainties— there is One who we can be confidently certain of! He holds the whole world in His hands; the One who sets the boundaries of the seas also sets the boundaries of the storms that come upon the shores of your life. You will not be overcome for He has overcome and He will secure your boundaries!

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Thank you to all who have stood with us during this critical hour in prayer and financial support. We are praying for each of you by name and decreeing perfect peace and provision over you!

To donate to our ministry, go to: https://www.inscribeministries.com/