July 06


Distress Can Turn to Peace


For the glory of your name, O LORD, save me. In your righteousness, bring me out of this distress ... Show me where to walk for I have come to you in prayer ... Teach me to do your will for you are my God.

Psalm 143:11, 8, 10 (NLT)


The steadfast in mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.

Isaiah 26:3 (NAS)


I read David’s psalm and then I see Isaiah’s words. Wow. These guys are just like me. Well, at least we’ve shared some of the same feelings: distress, fear, hopelessness to be sure, but, then also, peace and confidence. In spite of the incredible stress they both experienced, they both enjoyed the peace of God.

This peace of God can be rediscovered within our own minds. When we adjust our thought life, when we shift our focus, the heart usually follows, and emotions can swing from positive to negative and back again. The thing is, the emotions aren’t necessarily wrong or bad ... it’s what we do with them, and the emotions that drag us down are also the warning flags telling us to raise our eyes. Look to God! Pray!

It is our minds that bring us back to God. They must. If the mind is not in control, emotions toss our lives toward shipwreck. So, for smooth sailing, for peace in this life, our minds must be steadfast, our internal compass pointing us straight and true. Straight to God—the trustworthy Captain of our souls.


Father, today I trust in You. Help me everyday to fix my eyes on You. Amen.