“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You—because he trusts in You.”
Isaiah 26:3
It’s all about focus, Pilgrim; all about focus.
What’s on your mind right now? Things you’ve got to accomplish today? Places you’ve got to go? Things you’ve got to buy? People you’ve got to try and please?
No wonder you’re already burdened and your mind’s racing.
And, think: It’s only 5:30 a.m.
Maybe you ought to stop what you’re doing right now, grab another cup of coffee, find a good, comfortable chair somewhere that’s a bit secluded and catch your breath. Let your breathing remind you how to pray: Breathe in the promises of God and then exhale your petitions to Him.
Try it again.
And, then one more time.
Now, close your eyes and allow the sweet Holy Spirit, the Comforter, to love on you for a few minutes. Don’t worry about all those things you’ve got to do today. They’ll wait. They’ll still be there when you’re finished.
But, you’ll be in a lot better condition to take care of them by “staying (Heb. ‘camak’—‘to prop up with, lean upon, take hold of, rest on, etc.’) your mind on Him” and remembering “He cares for you” (I Pet. 5:7).
Now, again, this may be difficult at first—especially if you’re a driven, compulsive, got-to-do-it-now type of person.
But, with practice. . .and a lot of perseverance and patience. . .you’ll get to where this becomes an important, intentional part of your day, not an afterthought at midnight.
“Perfect peace.”
Sound inviting? Makes you want to get away. . .high up in the mountains on a lofty peak overlooking an idyllic valley. . .or sitting quietly under a palm tree on the seashore as the tide ebbs-and-flows in its rhythmic fashion?
Well, guess what?
You don’t have to jump in a car or hop an airplane to some remote, exotic location to experience the Lord Jesus’ “perfect peace” (Ps. 55:6). Nope. You simply have to “be still and know that He is God” (Ps. 46:10) and listen for His quiet knocking on your heart’s door (Rev. 3:20).
And, don’t forget the rest of the Manna: “Because you trust in Him.”
Christ’s “indescribably delicious peace” (Jn. 14:27; Phil. 4:7-9) is available to all those “whose mind is stayed upon Him” and who “trust in Him.” It’s all about “abiding” and “resting,” Pilgrim (Jn. 15:1-7; Mt. 11:28-30). So go ahead. Enjoy yourself today as you commune with your Savior and allow Him to be in the driver’s seat in all things.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated August 14, 2009
