Read Isaiah 26:3–4

Peace is something that is needed between nations just as much as it is needed between neighbours. Let’s face it: we’re a warring people. Deep down underneath our placid plastic cover we are fighters. Most don’t live at peace with themselves, so it stands to reason they don’t live peacefully with others. That’s true among Christians as well as non-Christians. There are very few who live a life that is calm, easygoing, and free from anxiety.

Tucked away in the 26th chapter of Isaiah are two verses we need to dust off occasionally and let soak in.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock. (Isaiah 26:3–4)

You read that too quickly. Go back and read those words a second time.

What has you wringing your hands in worry today? What circumstance has been dogging you, bringing discouragement and defeat for weeks on end? What is it about the decision you must make that has you so uneasy and keeps you so indecisive?

Take the wise and calming advice of Isaiah in this very moment. Like a laser beam, centre your thoughts on Jesus—the beginning and ending of your faith. Don’t drift back to your worry rut—stay here, fully focused on Him. Think about His goodness. Recall past times when He met you and provided for you. Stay right here. Keep that thought. Don’t get up, don’t move a muscle until you feel His peace begin to flood your mind. When that happens, you’ll be ready to face your day with a perfect peace (the Hebrew reads, “Shalom Shalom”). You’re going to love how great “Shalom Shalom” feels!

Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord...Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved.

The full devotional can be purchased at https://www.tyndale.com/p/good-morning-lord-can-we-talk/9781414380681.