When feeling distracted to the point where maintaining spiritual focus gets difficult, we must be all the more diligent to keep our trust firmly planted in the Lord. Daily renewal is that process whereby we refocus our minds and unite our hearts to give Jesus first place in our lives (Rm. 12:2; Col. 3:2; Ps. 86:11; Col. 1:18). Far more important than a morning cup of coffee or a good breakfast is listening to God speak to us through His word and laying our burdens down before His throne in prayer.
We are encouraged by this promise of God: “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You” (Isa. 26:3). A mind anchored to the everlasting Rock is not easily shaken from its foundation (vs. 4). This is because such a heart is filled with a peace the world cannot provide (Jn. 14:27). The successive repetition of “peace” (shalom) in the original text is reflected in our translations by the expression, “perfect peace.”
Worries distract us from trusting in God. But, the steadfast of mind are fully assured of the Father’s abiding care. Rather than becoming distracted by the everyday concerns of life, Jesus teaches us to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness”, allowing tomorrow to take care of itself (Mt. 6:33-34).
Focus is everything. When Peter was walking on water, he was distracted by the wind and the waves. As a result, he lost sight of Jesus and began to sink (Mt. 14:28-30). Similarly, we are distracted when we take our eyes off Jesus (cf. Heb. 12:2). Peter is the inspired apostle who later encourages us cast “all our anxiety on Him…” (1 Pet. 5:7). In laying our burden down at the feet of our Lord, our focus is regained and our balance restored. Peace becomes no longer an impossible dream but a present reality. We would be hard-pressed to find a greater blessing in life than the perfect peace afforded to those who trust in the Lord!
— Glen Elliott —