Kept in Peace

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you" (Isa. 26:3, ESV).

What does it mean to be kept "in perfect peace"?  The term perfect is clear enough to understand.  It means that it is a full and flawless peace, it is utterly complete.  But what is peace?  The term translated "peace" in this passage is the Hebrew word, "shalom."  Strong's concordance says it is often translated as peace, but can include the ideas of prosperity, health, well-being, rest, safety, etc.

Peace is the state of existence where the individual is living within the context of a relationship with God where animosity is no longer present.  To be at peace with God means that we no longer abide under his wrath.  His anger towards our sin has been erased, through Jesus' death and resurrection, and now he is free to look upon us in favor.  Therefore, this peace with God affects the whole of our life. 

Again I ask, what does it mean to be kept in perfect peace?  It means that we are favored by God.  His loving grace rests upon us.  Because he favors us, we are preserved from his wrath.  This promise, spoken through Isaiah, comes in the context of judgment.  The city (most likely Jerusalem) is about to be left in ruins, and the inhabitants humbled.  However, the righteous have found a refuge, a strong city.  Salvation had become their impregnable fortress.  When his judgment is poured out on the wicked, God shields his people.

So then, who are his people?  His people are those whose minds are stayed on him.  That is, God's people are the ones who prove loyal to the end.  They have fixed their hopes on the Lord, and trust him to see them through.  Because they trust him, the Lord will not let them down.  He holds them, so they trust him.  As they trust them, he keeps them in perfect peace.  God's loyalty (steadfast love) generates loyalty (steadfast love) within his people.

Do you have peace with God?  Is your mind "stayed" on Jesus Christ?  Are you continuing to place you trust in Jesus as the sole source of your hope and righteousness?