Got Peace?

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Isaiah 26:3

What are you thinking about right now? Maybe what happened at school today is on your mind, or perhaps you’re thinking of a fun activity that is coming up. You might be having a problem with a friend, and you can’t stop thinking about it. Or perhaps a homework assignment you just can’t figure out is on your mind.

The thoughts that fill your mind affect your mood. If you doubt that, think about the last time you had an argument with someone. Afterward it probably filled your mind and made you feel sad or angry. Think about a time when something really good happened, like getting a surprise birthday present or earning an A on a big project. Your thoughts were probably happy, and your mood was upbeat.

God gives a great promise in today’s verse. He promises perfect peace. That doesn’t mean bad things won’t bother you or fill your thoughts. It means you’ll have an inner calmness or quiet and know that all is well because you belong to God, even when bad things happen.

Because you are God’s princess, your heart belongs to him, and you can trust in him. You have the confidence that God is strong and faithful and that he is in control of all things.

The psalmist David was someone who knew the truth of keeping his mind focused on God and of feeling real peace because of it. He wrote, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). David knew the secret of having peace in the midst of problems. He kept his mind focused on God’s ability to take care of everything.

What does all this talk of peace have to do with you? It’s easy. If your heart and your mind are focused on God, his peace will take you through times when others around you aren’t feeling peace. When they are questioning why things happen, you’ll be at peace because you’ll know that God has a plan for everything that happens in your life.

The Bible has a lot to say about peace. Use your Bible to look up three of the verses listed below, and read them. Write down what they have to say to you.

• Psalm 29:11
• Psalm 119:165
• John 14:27
• John 16:33
• Romans 15:13
• Philippians 4:6-7