He trusts that God’s will is right and His precepts and commands are true, so he unflinchingly follows them. It means the motives, inclinations, and desires of our hearts shaped and formed by God Himself.Īnd the means by which one is shaped by God is by trusting in Him (v.
So to be “steadfast of mind” means more than just being careful with our thoughts (though it also includes that). The directions and purposes of his life are kept and shaped and molded by God Himself. But the word here is a passive form, which means that the individual’s mind is supported by another. Secondly, the word “steadfast” means “to support” or “to lean” - to place one’s weight on another. It is the shape of his mind - his purposes and plans for the way he will live life. So in a figurative sense, it refers not just to one’s thoughts, but of the inclination and striving and desires of an individual. It refers to a work of a potter - it is something shaped and formed by his hands. Rather, it is a word that comes from the artist’s world. But two observations must be made about the prophet’s admonition.įirst, the word “mind” is not the typical word for mind. The first of these verses is quoted often. “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,įor in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.” (Is. The prophet Isaiah offers this counsel to wayward Israel: What is the direction of his mind? On what does he place his affections? What (and whom) does he desire to please? There is a similar principle that guides the follower of God. What did he want to achieve with the stone? What singular direction would he go? “That’s all very well with a four-ounce manuscript,” replied the sculptor, “but not with a four-ton block.”īefore putting the chisel to the stone, Epstein wanted to be certain of his purpose and direction. “Why I change my mind several times a day!” “You mean you plan your work?” Shaw responded. So very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ name… the Prince of Peace… the basis and bounty of all peace.“I don’t know yet. How great are your mercies… how profound your kindnesses… how more-than-sufficient your grace. There is none god like you, Father, no not one. For you’ve even promised your children a peace that passes… surpasses… and at times, even by-passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Indeed, Father, you’re not calling us to trust in our ability to trust, but to trust in you… in your trustworthiness. All we have to do is to set our minds and affections on things above, for you are the LORD-the eternal Rock that is higher than us… the Rock of refuge… the Rock of ages.īecause the gospel is true… because Jesus is the precious Living Stone (1 Peter 2:4-8), I will not despair when I am weak in concentration and focus, and have a hard time controlling my thoughts and imagination. All we have to do is mine the riches of the gospel and keep in mind the wonders of your love. You’ve promised to keep us in perfect peace… not semi-peace… not partial-peace… not wanna-be peace. Thank you for being a Father who will never forget or abandon your children… who will never forget or abandon me.īut your promise is even grander. I’m out of boot straps to pull up… there’s no magic happy pill to take… no fix-it button to push. I treasure it more than all the gold in Fort Knox… all the chalets in Switzerland… all the oil in the Arab States, for I cannot keep myself. Father, I treasure the promise of being kept by you.