When I think of finding shelter from a storm I think of finding a safe place to get out of its way, a place where I will feel safe. Although we are “sheltering in place” right now that alone does not guarantee that we feelsafe or peaceful. This very unusual storm is hard to hide from, it may be causing havoc with our finances, our future plans and even for some, our health. So how do we find peace in the midst of it?  I found an outline for a teaching Jessica gave a few years ago which seems perfect for us now. You may hear my voice now and then…

We know that Jesus promised us peace so lets explore the following verses that reveal how we access His Peace. 

John 16:33

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

In order to walk in peace we have to stay really close to Jesus by staying in the word and knowing that He will overcome. 

Psalm 119:165Greatpeacehave those who love Your law,

And nothing causes them to stumble.

Nothing!

Psalm 1:1-3“Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord…”

And on His law he [habitually] meditates day and night.

…And in whatever he does, he prospers 

Isaiah 54:13 All your children shall betaught by the Lord,and great shall bethe peace of your children. What a great promise regardless of the age of our kids! 

Lets take a closer look at a promise in Isaiah.

Isa 26:3 – You will keep himin perfect peace,Whosemindisstayed on You,because he trusts in You. 

To KEEP means that God is guarding and watching over our peace: He is doing it! 

PERFECT PEACE – Shalom/Shalom means Abundantpeace! Not a little piece but enough peace to take care of us and to share, that’s the meaning of abundant! 

MIND – Our Imagination, or mental framework – The filter through which you see and experience life.

We project or filter situations and circumstances in a certain way, we frame them either positively or negatively, the same two people can hear the same news and have two completely different reactions because of the framework they see life through. This is why I am always sharing the importance of the keeping a grateful list close at hand, working to retain a constant state of thanksgiving and watching our words so carefully. 

STAYED in Hebrew is “Camak”, which means to lean upon or rest upon. So God guards us, keeping us in perfect peace when we train our minds to conform to the word and promises of God and then we restthere, and lean into the promise to hold us up. 

Abundant Protective Peace is available to us when our mind frames life in a way that we are resting and leaning upon God, because we trust Him… not ourselves, not our economy, not our finances, not our own ability to solve a problem. 

The more you love the word, know it and work to understand it… the more it changes your perspective, and your mindset (the paradigm through which you process life). 

If I simply read the news and other’s speculations, fear, worry and anxiety can easily take over. However, if my imagination frames what could be based on God’s character and promises, that brings tranquility, rest and peace. 

Worry by definition is allowing one’s mind to dwell on the difficulty or trouble rather than on God, His care and His resources. 

Last week we reviewed Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things arenoble, whatever things arejust, whatever things arepure, whatever things arelovely, whatever things areof good report, if there isany virtue and if there isanything praiseworthy—meditate on these things

The first step to focusing our minds on those things that are praiseworthy is to recognize when we are not doing that. 

Imagine if our thoughts were projected on a loud speaker for everyone to hear…..that’s a great way to catch those negative thoughts and take them captive! 

2 Cor 10:4-5 NLT

We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoningand to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

 The word reasoning here refers to imagination which is the same concept referred to in the psalms that are contrary to the word of God. These imaginations can become strongholds, certain patterns of thought that have been around so long and are so deeply engrained that they become cemented in our thinking. ie: I’m a failure/rejected, everyone in my family dies young, nothing every works out for me, no matter how hard I try things fall apart…Or, you feel your chest constrict and think it’s the virus… 

We are in a battle and we have to use spiritual weapons. 

Ephesians 6:17 And take thehelmet ofsalvation, and theswordoftheSpirit, which is theword ofGod…

Hebrews 4:12 For theword of God isliving and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

So lets make sure we remember these three points: 

Recognizethe erroneous thought and take it captive, refusing to dwell on it. 

Meditateon the truth from the word which is contrary to the lie we have been allowing to take hold of our minds and our emotions. A little lie replacement therapy…

Speak the Word of God out of our mouths… life and death are in the power of the tongue. 

Let’s Declare together: 

Lord, I receive your peace, your shalom, to guard my heart and my mind.

I will be anxious for nothing, but I will bring every worry to you with prayer and Thanksgiving!

This week you will keep mein perfect peace,as I keep mymindon You,

and I trust in You. And I will take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, speaking your word and trusting in you.