peace...

It's so amazing how quick we are to worry, to stress.  Without even realizing it, our tendency to do so is blatant evidence of our desire (and our attempt) to be in complete control of our lives...and the fact that we are not.  Think about it, if I completely rested in the fact that my life is in the hands of a totally sovereign God, a God whose purposes are so far beyond me, for something so much greater (Himself, and His glory)...what would I have to worry about?  I could rest in the fact that He is in control, He is working towards His purpose, His ways are good, and He will make them happen.

Sounds simple, right?  It should be...until we try to take control.  I was challenged by the words of Isaiah 26 this morning:  "You keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."
First of all, what is peace?  Basically, dictionary.com says it's the absence of conflict, fear, and worry.  It's right relationship, complete rest.
Who are those that have peace?  Those whose minds are on the Lord--basically, those whose minds are completely centered and focused upon almighty God, and nothing else.
Why do they have peace?  Because they trust Him.  They don't have to worry about being in control, making sure things turn our right, or handling difficulties that come up.  Instead, they are able to rest in someone so much higher than all of that.

And so. today I challenge you to know peace.  It's not something dependent upon your circumstances, whether or not things are going well, or even if you can just manage to get everything done.  It's a state of the heart, an action...of simply choosing to set your mind on the One whose ways are so far above are own, and completely resting in His perfect purpose.  Today, may you be among those who are kept in perfect peace.