Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Romans 8:6 (ESV)
6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV)
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I read a definition of sin which was attributed to Soren Kierkegaard. He said something to the effect of “sin is taking a good thing and putting it in the place of God.”
The effect of this is disappointment. In a fallen world, if I look to a person (other than God), thing or action to fulfill me, I will end up disappointed. People will let me down, things will break and I will never accomplish enough to feel satisfied.
It is only when I am looking to God for my validation and seeking satisfaction in deepening my relationship with him that I even begin to approach a sense of peace.
The opposite condition is one of fear. Fear that I will be let down, therefore I cannot trust. Fear that I will fail, therefore I should not try. Fear that my stuff will break or get lost, therefore I must watch over it.
The verses above remind me that a mind set on God is the only mind that can truly be at peace. Peace that is not just the absence of conflict, but peace that means wholeness and joyful life.
Therefore, I can be free of the need to please people. I can be free of the fear of criticism. I don’t need to accomplish anything to achieve peace.
I can live my life in a day-by-day, minute-by-minute response to God while becoming more sensitive to his leading. He promises to lead me to peace. How cool is that?