Read with me, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3



As we enter the holiday season, for many it is a time of less demanding schedules, reduced busyness, and change of pace. It is a season to be joyful, and one of rest. It is the time of the year associated with ease, a month of peace and goodwill. I want to embrace this wholeheartedly. These are attributes of the Kingdom we can surely get behind.

 Luke 1 :45 -49 says “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.”

Blessed is she who believed. There is intrinsic blessing associated with a heart that believes. Note, it didn’t say received, the emphasis was on belief. A blessed life is resultant from being in a state of hopeful faith. During this festive season, may we believe. Believe that He is, believe He rewards those who seek Him.

There is a Kingdom mechanism portrayed here that is essential to peace. The very things we believe (there’s that word again) will provide us with relief of worry and anxiety, the things we know once received will alleviate the burden, those are the things He says cannot and will not give you peace or stay your heart. Our peace is found not in what we get, but in trusting in the One who already gave it all. ‘And she magnified the Lord and rejoiced in God.’ In Him; rejoicing, peace, rest is found in Him.

Restfulness leaves no place for tormented worry, you have taken a chill pill, you are not anxious about tomorrow. Rest here, in this corner in your mind, abide. Make space in your heart to believe and trust Him still, then stay the thoughts that would disrupt you. In your mind, occupy a different space this holiday, one that allows only for steadfast believe, hopeful trust, quiet rest. Proactively choose to trust. Rest in this knowledge, you are blessed for believing. You are peaceable when trustful. You see, trust eliminates turmoil. Hopefulness is restored when we rest in believing. When believing Him, when trusting in Him is enough, we find our peace.

Stay your mind. Keep it set. Do not allow your thoughts to be directed left or right. Focus on the good. Rest in Him. He is Holy. He is worthy. Give others the gift of hope, be steadfast in your anticipation of His goodness