The Prerequisite for Peace

Isaiah 26:3, ESV

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Philippians 4:6-8, ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

We won’t have perfect peace if our mind is fixed anywhere other than God.

On the problem.

On the solution.

On the offense.

On the conversation.

On the what-if.

The reason Paul contrasts anxiety with prayer and thanksgiving is because prayer and thanksgiving are the very things which draw our mind back to God—and therefore produce peace.

Prayer keeps our mind on God.

Thanksgiving keeps our mind on God.

Thinking about the good things in our lives keeps our mind on God—because everything good in our lives comes from Him.

And when our mind is on God, we have peace. Perfect peace. Peace that overcomes anxiety and guards our heart—even when we don’t understand.