TEXT:ISAIAH 26:1-11.
馃攽KEY VERSE "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (ISAIAH 26:3).
On a Sunday morning in August, 1875, the vicar of Harrogate, Canon Gibbon, happened to preach from the text, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee," and alluded to the fact that in the Hebrew language, the words are "Peace, Peace" twice repeated, and happily translated in the 1611 translation by the phrase, "Perfect Peace". He emphasised that perfect peace could only be found in Jesus Christ. This sermon gave birth to Bishop Edward Henry Bickersteth's great hymn "Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin? The blood of Jesus whispers peace within". Truly, only the blood of Jesus can guarantee perfect peace.
We can never avoid strifes in the world, but with God we can know perfect peace even in turmoil. When we are devoted to Him, our whole attitude is steady and stable. With God's unchanging love and mighty power, we are not perturbed by the raging sea. From our text, the affirmation of God's protection and peaceful life for the righteous is vividly presented. He's our everlasting strength, we must trust Him to bring all things to pass.
However, there are conditions to be fulfilled before you become beneficiaries of His perfect peace and divine protection. Only when you focus your mind on Him, trust in Him, desire Him with all your heart and patiently wait for Him that you can experience perfect peace. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest", says the Lord.
PONDER:
Enjoying peace and rest in a turbulent world.
1. Turbulent Experiences
a. Downturn experiences (economic challenges) v5.
b. Loss of cherished possessions, positions and priviledges v5.
c. Disgrace, demotions and disappointments v5,6.
d. Reproach from from those that should hold one in honour v6.
e. What are your own turbulence that are threatening your peace and rest?
2. Trust in Eternal God: the key to peace and rest
a. True trust in God will first produce salvation and a personal relationship with God vv1,2.
HYMN:Leaning on the everlasting arms
1.What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms!
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms!
Chorus:
Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.
2
O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms!
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms!
3
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms!
I have peace complete with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms!
