* Do you want peace in your life?
* Peace - “freedom from disturbance; tranquility; a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended.”
* When it comes to experiencing peace in our life, it is a matter of our minds.
* It’s the internal state of tranquility - 100% total rest no matter what’s going on on the outside.
* Like Jesus sleeping in the boat amid the storm.
* It’s keeping our heart rates regulated amid chaos.
* So how do we get it?
* Well, the answer to that is two-fold.
* vs 3 - “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
* It’s a matter of Trust and Focus.
* First, peace is a matter of TRUST.
* Your mind will focus on whatever you trust.
* Anxiety - trusting something bad will happen in the future.
* Do I truly trust God?
* If I do, then I have to know He will not let anything happen to me that He hasn’t first approved.
* I need to know that He’s got my back, that He’s my provider and protector.
* Security is our #1 core human need.
* You have to feel safe before you can rest.
* If you can never rest (because you’re not secure from harm) then your body will shut down, literally.
* Your stress hormones stay elevated and the next thing you know you’re having anxiety and panic attacks.
* So peace is a matter of TRUST.
* Second, peace is a matter of FOCUS.
* Once you know you can trust God, you now have to focus on Him.
* “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you…”
* You have to keep your mind in a state of God-consciousness where you know He’s there with you.
* Your emotions will tell you everything is going to fall apart, but your spirit needs to tell your mind to focus on the truth, not the lies you’re tempted to believe.
* Romans 12:2 tells us renewing your mind (focusing on truth over lies) is the secret to transformation.
* It’s the secret to transforming you into a person whose internal peace cannot be rattled by external chaos.
* That’s how you get peace - Trust God and Focus on Him!
* Tony Evans - “Believers can claim this promise: You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace (26:3). This peace is not only valid in the kingdom age, but also for all those who tune their minds to God’s spiritual realities.”