Let's Learn to Find the Good

 

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3


Perfect peace is bestowed upon us when our minds remain focused on God and when we place our trust in Him.

What exactly does perfect peace entail? And how can we attain this “perfect peace” in Christ amidst circumstances that tend to induce anxiety and/or despair?


Anxiety, the kind that keeps you awake at night or causes you to toss and turn, is the kind that plays out in your mind, presenting scenarios and what-ifs. You yearn for a switch that could turn off your mind.


Paul, in Philippians 4:6-7, reminds us to “be anxious for nothing,” to pray about everything, and to make our requests known to God. He assures us that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.


So, will I trust Him in the midst of a challenge, a struggle, or a trial? Is my mind focused on God and His capabilities, or am I preoccupied with figuring out how to fix things or determining the outcome?


How do we experience this peace of God that guards our hearts and minds? Is it in reminding ourselves that God cares for us? In Psalm 55:22 and 1Peter 5:7, we are instructed to give our burdens to the Lord because He cares for us and will sustain us.


Is it in remembering His promise to never leave us or forsake us—He is always with us? (Deuteronomy 31:6)


Is it in reminding ourselves that He is the one who comforts us, our shield, and the ever-present help in trouble? Or is it simply in the act of praying, making our requests known to Him, and trusting Him with the outcome? Knowing that He is in control, has a purpose, and a plan for everything He allows in our lives?


Paul, in Philippians 4:4, encourages us to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”


Rejoice not in the circumstance or trial itself, but in who God is—in His faithfulness, goodness, and mercy. Rejoice in His promises that He will use it for good and that He walks with us through whatever we face.


Rejoice in the pain, the hurtful words, and the chaos that surrounds us.

Rejoice, for through the pain, there lies a lesson to be learned. Through these trials, He transforms our character and fortifies our faith. Rejoice, for no experience is ever wasted; He will use it for our benefit.


Paul reminds us in verse 5, “The Lord is at hand.” The Lord is present with us, mighty to save, and walks with us through life’s valleys.


Paul was imprisoned while writing Philippians, chained to a Roman guard, yet he found a way to rejoice in the Lord, pray, and express gratitude.


Instead of dwelling on our pain or circumstances, we can also learn to rejoice in the goodness of God. Perhaps this is why Paul, in Philippians 4:8, advises us to focus on certain things. He suggests that we should focus on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and worthy of praise.


Perhaps in this pursuit of the good, we will experience this perfect peace, a peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus as we trust in Him.


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