"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the rock eternal." (Isaiah 26:3-4)

I don't know about you- but I have found that I can be prone to anxiety sometimes. Anxiety can be caused by all sorts of factors, but one factor for sure and certain is where we choose to park our brain. What do we dwell on- what do we routinely think about? If the answer is found in fears and worries and possible negative outcomes, then anxiety can be a real problem. Alternatively this passage tells us about the way to peace. The way to peace, perfect and holistic peace is found in a mind that is steadfastly fixed on the Lord. The word, "steadfast," implies resolve and intent, a deliberate and determined action and I think this is what this passage calls us too. A deliberate choice to meditate on the Lord and his character and not on the things around us that can often leave us anxious and insecure. Isaiah calls us to trust, to trust in the Lord and he reminds us of the Lord's nature and character. He is the "rock eternal." The term rock is one of the Old Testament's favourite ways of describing the Lord. It speaks of stability and strength and that is who the Lord is. He is strong and he brings peace, so we can trust in him.

Thankfully of course our strength is not necessarily found in our capacity to exercise faith and trust but in the Lord's capacity to be faithful, trustworthy and steadfast. Jesus talked about faith as small as a mustard seed and I remember a man who came to him seeking help saying to him; "I believe," Lord please help my unbelief. So, I guess it's not about us drumming up lots and lots of faith but rather about us choosing to put our small amount of faith in a very great God. A God who is strong and steadfast and who is able to sustain us.

Grace and peace from Marcus