You, Lord, give [preserve/keep in] true peace [complete peace; peace peace] to those who depend on you [whose mind is stayed on you;whose purpose is firm], because they trust you. Isaiah 26:3Expanded Bible (EXB)
This is true and works.
No matter how I have fallen from a peace focus, I always choose to get up again, dust myself, and keep running - reappyling these truths...
Peace is a state of calmness and tranquility. It is an internal conditioning that makes a man stable, independent of external stimuli or circumstances.
Peace however, is not callousness, indifference or insensitivity. It is godly serenity irrespective of the storm.
A perfect example of this is Mark 4:35 - 41 in the bible: Jesus Christ, in the midst of a mighty storm, displayed true peace (peace peace) i.e. a higher place of mind (in God). His disciples, in the boat with him, were however, taken over by the human instinct of fear and panic.
This response occurred because they allowed their minds to be controlled by the information coming from their environment through their senses instead of being controlled by trust in their knowledge of God's power and protective love for them. (Mark 4:40)
The Lord Jesus had his internal focus on his father God. So what he saw was what his father saw... he thought from the perspective of God. God's presence, love, omnipotence and ability was his serenity.
Peace in this sense, can also be defined as Power (being in charge, dominion) over your own mind. Jesus was master of peace. He was fully in charge of his own mind.
Whatever or whoever you allow your mind to dwell(remain) on WILL control your peace.
NKJV You (GOD)will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is STAYED on You, Because he trusts in You.
To stay focused on God's word, it is vital to:
1. Expose yourself to "God environments" i.e Jesus and faith focused places, media, books, music, people and most especially, the Bible. These will help keep your mind in serene trust. Faith comes by hearing the word of God.
2. Deliberately CHOOSE your thinking. Initial thoughts that come into your mind can be your own imaginations, suggestions from others, your environment, God's Holy Spirit or the devil. You might not be able to select all that crosses your mind, but YOU determine whether it stays there or not.
YOU choose your own thinking.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we TAKE CAPTIVE every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
3. Choose your speaking. The same way your thinking shapes your words, your words feed your thinking. Choose to speak what you want to see if you do not like what you see. This does not mean you are not aware of the hard facts of the situation, but it means you are transcending above the facts to faith - i.e. trust in God's word about such situations. This trust perspective is necessary for a peaceful mind. Speak faith, love and peace even while dealing with the situation.
Maintaining your peace is a discipline.
It might take time and will definitely take effort but FIGHT to keep your mind stayed on God and enjoy an anxiety and stress-free life.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
AMEN