ISAIAH 26:3

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

TO PONDER

I remember one fishing trip with my dad when we were on holidays in the Northern Territory. It was one of my dad's goals on this particular holiday to catch a barramundi over 1m long, and we had not been having much luck. So we were out in the boat almost every day. One day in particular I remember how still the conditions were. It is the closes I believe I have ever come to 'perfect peace'. We had found our way to a bend in the river anchored out in the slower and deeper water while dad cast his lure back towards the mangroves. Not even the sound of the water lapping up against the boat seemed to be present. The air was still, and humid, and thick, as it tends to be up in the NT and there was not a sound to be heard. Needless to say, we all startled when we head the almighty rushing splash of a large, perviously unseen salt water crocodile making its way into the river.

Strangely though, the croc didn't really disrupt the peace too much. After all, he (or she) was meant to be there, it was just another part of another unsuccessful fishing trip. That's what life with Jesus can be like. Even when the big threats come along, we can face them because we know God will find a way to use them to bring some good whether it is a deeper faith and trust in him for ourselves, or an opportunity for others to encounter him through us, the only difference is our trips with him are always successful. The path he has for us is one of perfect and complete peace if our hope and trust are completely in him.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, sometimes It's easy to lose sight of your plan for me. When things don't go the way I plan I often get frustrated and anxious. Help me to always remember that you work all things for the good of those who love you. Keep my heart and mind steadfastly fixed on you and your promises. Amen.