perfect peace

Isaiah 26:3-4
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.

Have you ever experienced perfect peace?
My guess is that if you have it is rare and temporal.
Because we live in a world of struggles, sickness, suffering and spiritual warfare, our peace is easily robbed. Like Peter walking on the sea of Galilee, we take our eyes off Jesus and become overwhelmed by the wind, waves and waters of life.
So how do we find and sustain perfect peace? How do we keep our minds steadfast on God?
I think the secret is to make the Truth of God and His presence just as (if not more) visible, tangible and experiential as the trials that take our eyes off Jesus. This means keeping the Word of God visibly accessible in our every-moment paths. Deuteronomy 6 suggests writing it all over our homes and binding it to our bodies. If we worry about money, placing a passage in our wallet or checkbook would be a good idea. If we worry about our children, writing God's promises on their bedroom doors or beds would remind us of His faithfulness. If we struggle with loneliness, passages of peace placed on our computers or set as wallpapers on our phones would help. Wherever it is that you struggle, there should be the reminder of God's presence and promises.
Another secret is to dwell in the praise of God. Keeping your home, your car, your life filled with praise and worship not only reminds us of the Truth of God but also shouts out the taunts of the enemy and crowds out lies we tend to dwell on. Furthermore, Psalm 22:3 says, "But You (God) are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel." God dwells in the praise of His people. Where there is worship, God is there.
Finally, where there are passages of Scripture and praise, there is prayer. Connecting with God is the natural byproduct of a life filled with His Truth, praise and presence. We have the power and presence of mind to speak to him about our problems rather than ourselves. And when we pray, the certain result is always peace. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Father, may my life be marked by perfect peace. Fill my home with Your word, my day with Your praise, my mouth with prayer and my heart with peace. Amen.