Steadfast of mind

“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You”  Isaiah 26:3

Steadfast of mind – Once I read an account of a man captured in war.  He was kept in solitary confinement for long periods of time.  In order to resist mental collapse, he began to build a dream house in his mind.  Every day he would add to the plans, carefully constructing each detail of the blueprints.  From the foundation to the roof, he just kept visualizing the process until one day the entire house was complete.  And when he was eventually freed from captivity, he built the real structure without having to consult a single written plan.  It was all completely catalogued in his mind.

This example shows us the tremendous structural power of mental commitment.  We might not be able to draw up blueprints in our minds but God is not asking us to build houses from memory.  He is asking us to build a sub-structure of trust.

The Hebrew word samach is easy to remember.  Sa-mack.  Smack with a long S.  It’s all about hands.  This word is used to describe the action of laying a hand or a burden on someone or something.  It is associated with the ritual of laying on hands before a sacrifice or before punishment.  But here it is about one who has thoughts that are supported or sustained by trust. 

Do you remember the Beatles singing, “give you all I’ve got for a little peace of mind”?  Well, it doesn’t take all you’ve got to find peace of mind.  God says that all it takes is a mind fixed thoroughly on Him.  It’s about your frame of mind.  Fix your mind on His promises.  Make your frame of mind rest on His foundation.  The result will be peace – perfect peace.

Today:  Do you have a blueprint for your day?  Is it supported by trust in Him?  If it isn’t, better do some redrawing before you start to build.