Daily Scripture Threshing for Sundays, November 17, 2024
Today’s Text: Isaiah 26:1-9
Key Verse: Isaiah 26:3 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."
To better appreciate the blessings of this reassuring Scripture, we must take a quick glimpse into its textual background. The text is part of Isaiah's apocalyptic or eschatological portion, describing God's ultimate deliverance and restoration of His people. It was written, as a song of trust and salvation, about 700 BCE, during King Hezekiah's reign in Judah. It was meant to address the Assyrian threat and God's sovereignty.
Confidence in God's presence and promises is key to experiencing the promise and having God's perfect peace. What does this mean and how can one's mind be stayed on God's peace? The Jewish concept of peace originates from the word, shalom. This word encompasses far more than a simple definition calm. It is a concept woven throughout the Jewish culture and daily life. It represents harmony and completeness. It transcends mere absence of conflict; rather, it embodies inner peace, outer harmony and wholeness.
In the mind of this prophet, therefore, was an inner peace marked by spiritual calmness and contentment within the ranks of God's people because of their deep connection with God and one another. Yes, inner peace gives birth to outer peace. There can be no genuine harmony with others and surroundings, talk less of fostering healthy relationships and community when there's no inner peace with God. The wholeness, completeness, integrity and soundness, encompassing physical, emotional and spiritual well-being that we need elude us because our minds are not stayed on God.
Bear in mind the shalom also means prosperity. We prosper better and experience blessings, well-being and flourishing when we thrive through God’s provision for peace. That's why shalom was both an integral greeting and prayer in Jewish community. Ultimate peace comes from/through the Messiah. We cannot have inner calm, outer harmony and wholeness except we acknowledge and trust God. Meditate on this verse today and stay your mind on God. Actively practice this in your daily life.
Action Steps: Identify situations where you might struggle with worry or anxiety, and consciously choose to turn your mind towards God instead.
Quote for the Day: "Malcolm X said, "you can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom." He is not incorrect. But he is incomplete because peace and freedom are products of a mind stayed on Jesus Christ." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote).
Prayer: Lord, grant me perfect peace as I fix my mind on You, trusting in Your faithfulness. Please help me Father in Heaven to focus my thoughts on You and experience Your peace in the midst of life's challenges — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.
____________________
Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: John 14:27; Philippians 4:7; and Psalm 34:14.
Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide written for free distribution and edification of churches, homes, and individuals. For inquiries, free counseling, or deliverance, please, write or visit: The Darling Bishop, 2321 S Beltline Rd Suite 144 Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA.
You can be a part of this great and free course through a one-time or recurring donation. To give through Zelle, using +14073608280 or CashApp: $SimonOlatunji. Thanks and God bless you. Amen.
Happy new month y'all! With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
Send | Share | Subscribe | Support
_____________________
Comentários