Perfect Peace
To experience 'perfect peace', one must make the Lord the Portion of their soul, receive from God's hand, and leave the future entirely with God, all of which is dependent on the exercise of faith.
Greek Word Studies for an aid_number 35967 delves into the meaning of 'gumnazo' or 'gymnazo', emphasizing the rigorous training and discipline it signifies, both physically and morally. The term is used in the New Testament to describe the intense training an athlete undergoes, as well as the self-sacrificing dedication false teachers exhibit in pursuing greed. Believers are called to train themselves in godliness, discernment, and righteousness, contrasting with the worldly pursuits of those who exercise themselves in evil deeds.
Text
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee" (Isa. 26:3). What is signified by a mind "stayed on" the Lord? At least three things. First, to make the Lord the Portion of my soul. All around us are those vainly seeking contentment in things: such as money, and what it can buy, social prestige, fame, pleasures, etc.--all of which are broken cisterns which hold no water. Only the One who made us can satisfy the heart; only as our affection is set upon "things above" do we drink of the Fountain of living waters. Just in proportion as "Delight thyself also in the LORD" (Psa. 37:4) will "perfect peace" be mine now.
Second, to receive from God's hand whatsoever enters my life. I need to cultivate the habit of looking beyond all secondary causes, all intermediary agents and human instruments, recognising that "of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are ALL things" (Rom. 11:36). "Cease ye from man" (Isa. 2:22); conclude no more it is Satan who is seeking to disturb your rest; but say, "The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it!" (John 18:11). Just in proportion as we are enabled to say from the heart "It is the LORD: let Him do what seemeth Him good" (1 Sam. 3:18) will "perfect peace" be ours in this world of sin and turmoil.
Third, to leave the future entirely with God. And why not? Are not my "times" in His hand (Psa. 31:15)? Has He not graciously cared for me and faithfully supplied my every need hitherto? Then why be fearful of what lies ahead? Has He not promised never to leave nor forsake me! Just in proportion as I live a day at a time, and "Take therefore no anxious thought for the morrow" (Matt. 6:34) will "perfect peace" be mine even now. But each of these three things is dependent upon the exercise of FAITH; as the text says "because he trusteth in Thee." O to know more of this experimentally.
Sermon Outline
- The Mind Staying on the Lord
- To make the Lord the Portion of my soul
- To receive from God's hand whatsoever enters my life
- To leave the future entirely with God
Key Quotes
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee” — A.W. Pink
“Delight thyself also in the LORD” — A.W. Pink
“Cease ye from man” — A.W. Pink
Application Points
- Make the Lord your portion and delight in Him to experience perfect peace.
- Learn to receive from God's hand and look beyond secondary causes.
- Leave the future entirely with God and trust in His sovereignty.