Jimbo's Jots

Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.

Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.

Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found.

It is enough: earth’s struggles soon shall cease,
And Jesus calls us to Heav’n’s perfect peace.

I was reminded of the lyrics of this old hymn as I was going through a Lenten devotional this morning. The author invited us to look at Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” In light of last week’s discussion of feeling the anxiety of burnout, I really connected with this.

The author focused on the word “steadfast”. He continued his thought by saying that the word means, “firmly fixed in place”. Being firmly placed in trusting in God can bring us peace. Even when we feel the burnout and the stresses, or in the words of the song, “by thronging duties pressed”, there is a sense of calm when we are firmly planted in the peace of God.

Think about Jesus after his baptism and before his ministry, he was taken to the wilderness. Matthew records that the tempter came to Jesus. In the 40 days leading up to the temptation, Jesus spent time with God building a foundation of peace. And when He faced the temptations, he was able to face with a sense of steadfastness and peace.

There are times when I need this! Maybe you do / did too! There is peace and rest given by God when we firmly plant ourselves in His love, grace and mercy. Sometimes we just need a reminder!

Be blessed in peace! Be a blessing!