Steps to Christ Chapter 13 Rejoicing in the Lord Infographicby emmanuel_higgins
26:3Isaiah 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
God keeps the one whose mind is fixed on Him in perfect, complete and deep peace because that person trusts in Him. It is a conditional promise fulfilled only for those who keep heart and mind continually turned toward God in reliance and dependence. Staying the mind means taking Him at His word and clinging to Him, surrendering the soul to His keeping and the life to His ordering, in constant watchfulness, prayer and obedience. That trust brings the same calm Christ Himself possessed amid poverty, persecution and the cross, an inward rest and clear conscience that steadies the will, strengthens the intellect and cannot be disturbed by trouble or satanic wrath. A heart thus stayed is protected from Satan's power to destroy its peace and is held steadfast through affliction, danger, illness and uncertainty, trusting onward without fear.
Song Context and Setting
The song to be sung in the land of Judah in that day holds the promise of being kept in complete peace when the mind is fixed on God through trust in Him. It will be heard amid the deepening shadows of earth's last great crisis, when God's light shines brightest and the song of hope and trust sounds in its clearest and loftiest strains. It is a song of faith and hope for that time.
Its setting is a strong city with salvation appointed for walls and bulwarks. Its gates are to open for the righteous nation that keeps the truth to enter in. It calls for trust in the Lord forever, because lasting and everlasting strength is in the Lord Jehovah. That peace belongs within this picture of God providing salvation as protection for His people and as the source of salvation and enduring strength, with confidence resting in the Lord, who gives daily strength and encouragement and protects those who trust Him as a shield.
The promise belongs to His covenant-keeping people, the righteous nation which keeps the truth, with salvation appointed for walls and bulwarks around them and everlasting strength in the Lord Jehovah for those who trust in Him forever. All His counsels toward those people are faithfulness and truth. Even the discipline He brings upon His church is loving-kindness, though narrowness of vision prevents discerning it. Families and churches are to study this picture of God as salvation and enduring strength and to act according to His word.
Near the close of this earth's history the verse gives hope of meeting in the city of God and rejoicing together when the conflict is over. Chapters 25-26 are connected with God's preparation of salvation, where the wedding feast's blessing is pardon, and freely given grace removes sin and grants access to the riches of God's glory.
Nature of Perfect Peace
God keeps in perfect, complete and deep peace the one whose mind is stayed on Him because he trusts in Him. This peace belongs within the song's picture of God providing salvation as protection for His people, with salvation for walls and bulwarks around a strong city whose gates open for the righteous nation that keeps truth to enter in. It rests on confidence in the Lord whose strength is everlasting, in the Lord Jehovah forever, who gives daily strength and encouragement and protects those who trust Him as a shield. Near the close of earth's history it gives hope of meeting in the city of God and rejoicing together when the conflict is over. Families and churches are to study and act according to this word of God as salvation and enduring strength.
It is the same peace Christ had during His earthly life amid poverty, buffeting, persecution, Gethsemane and the cross. In perfect acquiescence there is perfect rest, with quietude and calm of perfect communion that no worldly trouble, no storm of satanic wrath, and no pursuit by angry enemies can disturb. The peace comes by taking Christ at His word and surrendering the soul to His keeping and the life to His ordering. His presence makes glad with a gladness the world cannot take away, keeping from sadness even when life seems tangled. Trusting Him brings quiet rest and contentment in His care, and committing the life to Him brings peace even when life seems tangled.
Christ had this peace because His heart was in perfect harmony with God, so praise, criticism, disappointment, opposition and cruel treatment did not unsettle Him. Those who fear to trust themselves fully to God remain anxious and troubled and cannot find peace without complete surrender to Him. The heart finds peace by staying fixed on God in simple faith, trusting Him, looking to Him, and dwelling on His loving-kindness. He guides the trusting soul and lifts it above sorrow and perplexity into peace.
It is inward peace and a clear conscience before God that quickens and strengthens the intellect, rightly directs and controls the will, and makes meditations pleasing because sanctified. Its serenity blesses those around and is reflected back, grows the more it is experienced, awakens moral energies to greater activity rather than dulling them, belongs to heaven, and is possessed by angels. Those whose minds are controlled by the Holy Spirit are kept in this peace and rest, in contrast to the fretfulness and instability of those ruled by impulse and passion. Perfect peace is a real condition of perfect joy and happiness where every part of the person becomes as light as air, coming all at once with light, and the peace and rest continue even after the light has passed away.
It is a legacy received through believing trust in God and His promises, kept through faith in Christ's power to redeem and keep the soul, expected through Jesus Christ and the gift of His righteousness, and ruling the character of His people. God's promises themselves keep the heart in this peace, lifting it above troubles and above life's troubles when the mind rests in God and trusts Him. His promises strengthen and refresh the heart, and taking them as one's own keeps in peace. It flows constantly into the soul through complete submission to Jesus Christ and obedience to God's will. Following the Redeemer's meek and lowly example gives a rest the world can neither give nor take away, becoming a living wellspring that refreshes others.
It is the assurance true faith brings to the humble and contrite in heart, bringing confidence in God's help as His people move forward so answered prayers honor His name. For one who has erred and feels shame and folly almost unto desperation, peace comes by fixing thought on the divine Helper ever beside him and ever looking on him with pitying love. To have the mind stayed is to think of a Father's heart grieving over sin, a Father's hand still stretched out, and a Father's voice inviting to rest. This trust gives courage and hope to one swimming against the stream, through an almighty hand holding him up and an infinite humanity pitying him, a warm hand to clasp and a tender heart to trust, rather than belief only in law and force that has no pity and never hears the call for help.
Peace and genuine happiness come from a mind centered on God as their source rather than from favorable circumstances, companionship, sympathy, or praise. When not fixed on God the mind stays discontented and dependent on others for comfort and approval. At times the mind resting on God in trust experiences this peace while Jesus feels precious and near. A mere profession of perfect peace and submission does not prove true character, for it can be claimed deceitfully and a profession of peace and holiness alone does not show the character true.
Stayed Mind and Trust
The promise is conditional, fulfilled for those who fulfill its conditions by keeping mind and heart fixed, stayed, and continually turned toward God in trust, reliance, and dependence. Keeping the mind fixed gives stability so that trial and temptation do not swing a person from ecstasy to despondency and to the valley of despondency, and do not lead to speaking doubt and gloom to others or uncertain, unhappy words about truth, but gives instead an anchor to the soul both sure and steadfast with God alone as helper. The heart stays on Him continually as He is trusted as helper and fortress, and those who make Him their trust will not be left without His Spirit. This dependence is lived out through continual faith and watchful prayer against temptation, and the heart remaining fixed in faith by seeking Him and depending on Him brings His help and blessing.
Staying the mind means taking God at His word and clinging closely to Him in faith that He honors, holding firmly to His counsel and looking to Jesus through trials and anguish with firm, unwavering reliance on Christ's power through daily perplexities and conflicts. Trust means not trusting own strength and placing trust in no man, but fastening faith upon Christ the mighty deliverer in utter helplessness. That stayed mind brings assurance of Christ's presence in trial, return of peace after anguish and conflict, rejoicing to uplift the word of God before rulers, and calm preparation with Scripture proofs and a vow to confess faith even unto blood.
A stayed heart is sustained through constant watchfulness and prayer and continual faith and prayer against temptation, and for one who loves God prayer is a pleasure and a source of strength. The heart remains stayed as the soul is lifted to heaven in silent prayer even while engaged in daily work, and such communion brings peace that evil powers cannot destroy. Such petitions rise like incense before the throne of grace, the enemy is baffled, the Christian cannot be overcome, and no evil arts can destroy his peace. All the promises of God's word, all the power of divine grace, and all the resources of Jehovah are pledged to secure deliverance, as illustrated by Enoch walking with God with God with him as a present help in every time of need, and this steady dependence maintained through frequent prayer even during daily work protects from Satan's attacks and preserves peace.
The mind is stayed through prayerful dependence in every place and circumstance, looking to God wherever one is and whatever one is doing without waiting to kneel, as when like Nehemiah a brief prayer is sent up before answering under pressure. Even when the future is unknown His word gives light to guide the way, and even when travel makes private prayer impossible a person can silently ask for grace to keep the mind focused and God hears that prayer. Keeping communion through daily life and work includes telling Jesus when darkness or a sense of unworthiness comes and receiving strength against the enemy and joy in the heart.
Keeping the mind fixed means taking everything to Christ in prayer, telling Him all trials, believing He helps, believing His promises instead of looking on the dark side, walking by faith, expressing gratitude in words of thanksgiving, arming with His promises, committing His words to memory, and cherishing faith and trust in Him as teacher while being willing to be taught. His people should tell Him their trials and hold fast to His promises, and keeping the mind fixed gives courage and makes a person a daily overcomer because He gave His life and His followers belong to Him body, soul, and spirit. Trust includes bringing burdens to God in prayer and holding closely to Christ by living faith, and God hears those who rely on His power and gives help as they continue to pray. Keeping the mind on God includes feeding the soul with His life-giving Word and relying on its promises, while distrust and unbelief grieve the Holy Spirit and faith and hope turn the mind toward light.
Keeping the mind on God means relying on His Word as a sure guide and letting actions be governed by what He says rather than feelings or reliance on feelings, as a living faith that works by love and purifies the soul. The mind is to be guarded from influences that depress it and held under God's control, and God keeps in deep peace the person whose mind rests on Him in trust. Keeping thoughts fixed on God enriches and glorifies the mind to choose good and refuse evil, while unholy thoughts degrade the mind and lead to impure actions, and since choices in this life shape eternal destiny the teaching calls for obedience to God's Word.
The mind is stayed by guarding it from distraction and steadily searching the Scriptures so faith is secure and the soul is not led astray to stand in freedom and faith and resist temptation. Prayer rather than gossip helps keep the mind fixed on God and gives strength to resist temptation. Keeping thoughts and influence from wandering away from Christ allows His light to be reflected in words and conduct, while frivolous speech hinders spiritual life. To walk and talk with God is to keep the mind stayed, not speaking idle and trifling words but taking hold of grace so saving and overcoming grace and true godliness and the power of true godliness are seen and felt in the heart.
Staying the heart daily means not letting depressing thoughts rule but being kept in good courage with hope and joy while pressing work is carried forward to completion. Keeping the heart stayed for the day is a morning choice made with thanksgiving to the heavenly Father for rest and sleep and lived out in praise to God as Creator who is good and greatly to be praised. Keeping the mind stayed flows from a thankful heart that trusts the Father is attentive to the wants of those who seek Him, desires His Holy Spirit to rest upon the believer, honors the Lord daily, and seeks a deeper sense of grace. Thoughts fixed on God are guided by divine love and power, and trusting and depending wholly on the Lord brings peace and steadiness and security as a person gives self fully to God and follows His will.
Trust steadies the mind and leads to gentleness and winning souls to Christ, and the call to trust is applied to trusting Jesus and resting in His love. The mind must be stayed on God, not on fallible human leaders, since position gives no one unerring judgment. This calls for reverence for God and continual seeking of His instruction, with no person appointed to take another's place in conscience. Ministers keep the mind stayed by depending more on Christ's presence and less on own efforts and trusting steadily so human weakness does not impair judgment or work, and by trusting and remaining faithful to the work He directs whether or not a particular path of service is His will. Teachers, caregivers, and workers keep minds stayed upon Christ by keeping thoughts on Him, humbly and thankfully receiving His grace, and sharing that grace by seeking to bless others rather than benefit themselves or seek their own benefit.
Protection From Evil Powers
A heart stayed upon God is kept in perfect peace through trust, and that staying is itself protection from Satan's power to overcome the believer and destroy that peace. God watches over His people and makes them secure under His protection, and as His promises are claimed the enemy cannot destroy their peace.
Keeping the thoughts fixed on God in trust leads to a life that honors His name and to power from on high to resist deceptive plans and schemes. Keeping the thoughts stayed on Christ enthroned in the heart as all and in all, with self dead, keeps eternal vigilance because Satan watches eagerly to find believers off guard. That vigilance quickens slumbering faith into action so the soul is not lost, makes the life an honor to His name, and brings power from on high to resist deceptive schemes.
A mind fixed on God is kept in perfect peace and protected when great signs and mighty wonders are designed to deceive God's people and overthrow them. To have the mind stayed is to hold fast to the strong arm of Jehovah and put trust in Him, refusing to fear what the wicked fear or reverence what they reverence, but being bold and valiant for the truth. Those who do this are guarded by angels against evil angels around them inventing new ways to annoy and destroy, kept by God's watchful eye over Israel for good, and saved when the enemy comes in like a flood because the Spirit lifts up a standard against him. Staying on this ground requires watching, putting on the whole armor, and taking the shield of faith, and then the fiery darts of the wicked cannot harm and God's people are able to stand. Just before the final deliverance of the saints, keeping hold of Jehovah with thought fixed on Him protects from deception when satanic power increases through mysterious rappings, mesmerism, miracles, and signs. The protection holds when modern magicians imitate God's powerful work for His people as the magicians of Egypt imitated the signs and wonders wrought through Moses before Pharaoh, and when they explain away the mighty works of Christ as done by that same power, even bringing down fire from heaven. In the face of such deceptive signs and threats the mind must remain fixed on God, keeping trust, standing firm and boldly for the truth, and not fearing or honoring what the wicked fear or honor.
Trusting God and keeping the mind fixed brings peace and protection from evil even while working among people surrounded by darkness and corruption, so that those who make God their trust need not be stained by surrounding evil or put to shame. Christ living in the heart and life is their safety, making the soul abhor evil and bringing thoughts and aims into unity with Him. The Lord can so guard from defilement that students troubled by harmful company can seek Jesus' help in a quiet place. The principle is illustrated by Jacob, who through faith and prayer was changed from a weak sinful man into a prince with God. Keeping thought fixed on God and filled with His Holy Spirit belongs with presenting the truth in its power as it is in Jesus, presenting the affirmative and standing on the platform of eternal truth while saying nothing accusing and nothing that arouses enmity and strife, in connection with proclaiming the message of comfort and preparation in Isaiah 40:1-11.
Steadfastness in Trial
Keeping the mind fixed on God gives stability so that a person does not swing from ecstasy to despondency when trial and temptation come, does not speak doubt and gloom to others or uncertain unhappy words about truth, but has an anchor to the soul both sure and steadfast with God alone as helper, for the promise is conditional and is fulfilled to those who fulfill its conditions. A heart fixed on God trusts Him and remains steadfast through affliction, discouraging circumstances and uncertainty just as in prosperity, because faith reaches beyond what is seen and holds to eternal things, giving constancy through the darkest trials. When the mind is stayed nothing will move the believer, for it means calmness of mind, while a disturbed mind cannot enjoy Christ's peace, and a mind not moved by trouble or opposition finds steadiness by hiding in God and walking humbly before Him rather than complaining and restlessness, relying on His power as wisdom and sufficiency and recognizing His protection and the ways He directs and preserves life and work.
Such trust lets people go forward with assurance despite discouraging appearances, relying on God's power rather than own wisdom, applied to prayer in times of need and perplexity with confidence that He will provide help in His appointed way. Those who rely on God with thoughts fixed have peace amid daily troubles and conflicts, shown in firm unwavering confidence depending on Christ for strength and usefulness, and lived experience proves it true for those who learn His meekness and lowliness, love as He loved, feed on Him and receive eternal life, become like Him in character, manner and dealing, rely on Him as efficiency, have self dead with His life as theirs. Keeping the mind stayed means relying on God amid perplexities and resisting Satan's workings to remain steadfast in truth and overcome through Christ, practiced by keeping communion and relying on His power as wisdom and sufficiency while recognizing His protection and direction. In crisis God's people need to anchor hearts in the living God, keeping the heart fixed and trusting rather than worrying, for this is His keeping power over heart and mind, resting in Him even when burdens feel too heavy or the way forward seems impossible.
Paul's peace amid suffering and steady confidence even facing execution illustrates the promise, coming not from self-sufficiency but from the divine Spirit bringing thought under Christ's will, and its visible expression in his countenance drew others to the gospel. Luther's experience illustrates it also, for not trusting own strength and placing trust in no man but fastening faith upon Christ the mighty deliverer in utter helplessness brings assurance of His presence in trial, return of peace after anguish and conflict, rejoicing to uplift God's word before rulers, and calm preparation with Scripture proofs and a vow to confess faith even unto blood. One whose mind is fixed by faith laying hold on Infinite Power is kept without fear for himself even while suffering in body and drifting fourteen days under a sunless and starless heaven in deadly storm, knowing God will preserve him to bear witness at Rome, and is made able in the darkest hour to speak hope and give practical help in every emergency and to plead in pity for sinful degraded souls unprepared to die until prayer to spare their lives is granted.
Peace and trust remain a comfort in danger and uncertainty, for even amid storm, fog and surroundings that seem dark, faith stays directed toward God and Jesus like a compass holding its course through rough seas, holding firm even in immediate danger and severe distress because God has power over threatening forces, and trust through each trial teaches dependence on Him and confidence in His presence and protection. Staying minds on the Lord was how peace was sought in the uncertainty and danger of the journey, keeping faith actively directed toward Him through fear, illness and hardship even while the outcome was uncertain, leaving travelers peaceful and happy despite hardship and wanting the heart to stay on Him continually as helper and fortress who will not leave His own without His Spirit. Peace holds through pain, difficulty, illness and apparent weakness by keeping faith active rather than judging by outward appearances.
In illness and uncertainty trust includes surrendering the will to God and leaving the outcome to Him confident He will act as He sees best and for His glory, resting in His love and care as refuge even amid weakness and troubling surroundings, finding consolation in suffering and comfort and hope in the good, kind, loving Redeemer amid perplexities and affliction, as when weak and unable to attend a meeting the mind is stayed upon the Lord. The promise belongs to those who use every God-appointed means in harmony with faith, claim the promise, commit the will to God's will, draw near to Christ as Physician and Healer in perfect trust, and accept a needed operation when the physician is willing without denying faith, which God honors in the very manner He sees is for His own name's glory. The peace sustains through bereavement and lack of comfort from others, and brings rest amid weariness, sorrow and trials through childlike faith that God knows every trial and is a compassionate ever-present help, instead of murmuring.
In perplexing circumstances including lack of money despite doing one's best, the verse calls for calm trust rather than anxiety or confusion while keeping the mind open to the Holy Spirit. For workers facing temptation and contact with unbelievers, trust supports steadfast loyalty and integrity and brings steadiness amid temptation and shifting opinions, for a person fixed on Christ is balanced, not easily unsettled by discouraging influences but rises above them to serve faithfully in demanding work, with Christ formed within as hope of glory and godliness as foundation of true dignity and completeness of character. Trust in the Lord is strength and hope amid conflict, joined with humble obedience and faithful action, giving courage, guarding against discouragement, and maintaining trust and courage with the heart stayed on God.
Resting in God's love while faithfully doing His work and leaving burdens and consequences with Him brings freedom and inexpressible peace and joy as if borne by everlasting arms, without trying to clear away confusion and contradiction of faith and feeling and unbelief or becoming depressed, but speaking His word with authority whether men listen or not and leaving all consequences with Him. The call to keep the mind stayed applies trust to the dangers and pressures of the time, including commercial schemes and pursuit of wealth, urging reliance on God with simplicity and prudence. Keeping the mind fixed is part of preparing for the Lord's coming and what is coming upon earth, letting works correspond with faith and influence tell for truth, leaving no room for carelessness and indifference which cannot honor Him nor for despondency which cannot glorify Him, putting first importance on securing one's own salvation and saving others with everything else secondary.
Guidance Provision and Character
The perfect peace of the stayed mind includes trust in the heavenly Father to supply temporal needs instead of anxious care about clothing, and that promise becomes precious to those who take the Saviour's principles as their guide for life. For those surrendered to the service of Christ, to be kept in complete peace means that He never calls a person and then forsakes him, but has made provision for every position in which He places His servants. He gives a Guide to direct the way in every situation, a sure Counselor in every perplexity, and a sympathizing Friend in sorrow and bereavement and loneliness, with omnipotent power outstretched to lead onward. He sends help to those who go forward for His name's glory until His word triumphs gloriously over those who watch for their failure, so those who draw near to God and serve Him faithfully can rely on His help to lead them onward and bring honor to His name.
To stay the mind on Him is to rely on Him for wisdom and guidance at every step, which puts the believer where the Saviour's words can be heard. That faith which holds fast to God leads on to perfection of character and prepares His people for Him to reveal Himself to them, in order that they may carry precious truth to all parts of the world. Putting this trust to the test proves that He gives wisdom and guidance at every step. Keeping soul and mind stayed upon Christ comes by receiving the truth in the love of its sacred principles, and a mind thus stayed speaks and acts like a Christian and exerts a purifying and uplifting influence. It is not satisfied until the truth has cleansed the life from every unessential thing and the mind is molded day by day by the holy influences of the Spirit of God, so that Christ can speak to the heart and His direction is heard and obeyed, while truth cleanses and ennobles the heart. For the teacher in particular this settled trust shapes speech and conduct into the likeness of Christ.
Keeping the mind fixed on God enables the cultivation of Christian character, the practical knowing of God and Jesus Christ in daily life, and the approval of a good conscience. From a mind stayed upon God in trust comes peace and holy, sanctified independence, as the heart is released from worldly attachments and fastened upon God who is pure and holy. That fixed mind also prepares a person to meet the Lord at the soon review, and it shapes speech and conduct so that conversation brings light and peace and comfort and blessing into the home. In that home fathers and mothers teach their children to know Christ and what they must be and do in order to enter the kingdom of God. Keeping the heart stayed on God means turning to Him amid distress, and seeking Him and depending on Him in faith brings His help and blessing.
God keeps the one whose mind is fixed on Him in perfect, complete and deep peace because that person trusts in Him. It is a conditional promise fulfilled only for those who keep heart and mind continually turned toward God in reliance and dependence. Staying the mind means taking Him at His word and clinging to Him, surrendering the soul to His keeping and the life to His ordering, in constant watchfulness, prayer and obedience. That trust brings the same calm Christ Himself possessed amid poverty, persecution and the cross, an inward rest and clear conscience that steadies the will, strengthens the intellect and cannot be disturbed by trouble or satanic wrath. A heart thus stayed is protected from Satan's power to destroy its peace and is held steadfast through affliction, danger, illness and uncertainty, trusting onward without fear.
Song Context and Setting
The song to be sung in the land of Judah in that day holds the promise of being kept in complete peace when the mind is fixed on God through trust in Him. It will be heard amid the deepening shadows of earth's last great crisis, when God's light shines brightest and the song of hope and trust sounds in its clearest and loftiest strains. It is a song of faith and hope for that time.
Its setting is a strong city with salvation appointed for walls and bulwarks. Its gates are to open for the righteous nation that keeps the truth to enter in. It calls for trust in the Lord forever, because lasting and everlasting strength is in the Lord Jehovah. That peace belongs within this picture of God providing salvation as protection for His people and as the source of salvation and enduring strength, with confidence resting in the Lord, who gives daily strength and encouragement and protects those who trust Him as a shield.
The promise belongs to His covenant-keeping people, the righteous nation which keeps the truth, with salvation appointed for walls and bulwarks around them and everlasting strength in the Lord Jehovah for those who trust in Him forever. All His counsels toward those people are faithfulness and truth. Even the discipline He brings upon His church is loving-kindness, though narrowness of vision prevents discerning it. Families and churches are to study this picture of God as salvation and enduring strength and to act according to His word.
Near the close of this earth's history the verse gives hope of meeting in the city of God and rejoicing together when the conflict is over. Chapters 25-26 are connected with God's preparation of salvation, where the wedding feast's blessing is pardon, and freely given grace removes sin and grants access to the riches of God's glory.
Nature of Perfect Peace
God keeps in perfect, complete and deep peace the one whose mind is stayed on Him because he trusts in Him. This peace belongs within the song's picture of God providing salvation as protection for His people, with salvation for walls and bulwarks around a strong city whose gates open for the righteous nation that keeps truth to enter in. It rests on confidence in the Lord whose strength is everlasting, in the Lord Jehovah forever, who gives daily strength and encouragement and protects those who trust Him as a shield. Near the close of earth's history it gives hope of meeting in the city of God and rejoicing together when the conflict is over. Families and churches are to study and act according to this word of God as salvation and enduring strength.
It is the same peace Christ had during His earthly life amid poverty, buffeting, persecution, Gethsemane and the cross. In perfect acquiescence there is perfect rest, with quietude and calm of perfect communion that no worldly trouble, no storm of satanic wrath, and no pursuit by angry enemies can disturb. The peace comes by taking Christ at His word and surrendering the soul to His keeping and the life to His ordering. His presence makes glad with a gladness the world cannot take away, keeping from sadness even when life seems tangled. Trusting Him brings quiet rest and contentment in His care, and committing the life to Him brings peace even when life seems tangled.
Christ had this peace because His heart was in perfect harmony with God, so praise, criticism, disappointment, opposition and cruel treatment did not unsettle Him. Those who fear to trust themselves fully to God remain anxious and troubled and cannot find peace without complete surrender to Him. The heart finds peace by staying fixed on God in simple faith, trusting Him, looking to Him, and dwelling on His loving-kindness. He guides the trusting soul and lifts it above sorrow and perplexity into peace.
It is inward peace and a clear conscience before God that quickens and strengthens the intellect, rightly directs and controls the will, and makes meditations pleasing because sanctified. Its serenity blesses those around and is reflected back, grows the more it is experienced, awakens moral energies to greater activity rather than dulling them, belongs to heaven, and is possessed by angels. Those whose minds are controlled by the Holy Spirit are kept in this peace and rest, in contrast to the fretfulness and instability of those ruled by impulse and passion. Perfect peace is a real condition of perfect joy and happiness where every part of the person becomes as light as air, coming all at once with light, and the peace and rest continue even after the light has passed away.
It is a legacy received through believing trust in God and His promises, kept through faith in Christ's power to redeem and keep the soul, expected through Jesus Christ and the gift of His righteousness, and ruling the character of His people. God's promises themselves keep the heart in this peace, lifting it above troubles and above life's troubles when the mind rests in God and trusts Him. His promises strengthen and refresh the heart, and taking them as one's own keeps in peace. It flows constantly into the soul through complete submission to Jesus Christ and obedience to God's will. Following the Redeemer's meek and lowly example gives a rest the world can neither give nor take away, becoming a living wellspring that refreshes others.
It is the assurance true faith brings to the humble and contrite in heart, bringing confidence in God's help as His people move forward so answered prayers honor His name. For one who has erred and feels shame and folly almost unto desperation, peace comes by fixing thought on the divine Helper ever beside him and ever looking on him with pitying love. To have the mind stayed is to think of a Father's heart grieving over sin, a Father's hand still stretched out, and a Father's voice inviting to rest. This trust gives courage and hope to one swimming against the stream, through an almighty hand holding him up and an infinite humanity pitying him, a warm hand to clasp and a tender heart to trust, rather than belief only in law and force that has no pity and never hears the call for help.
Peace and genuine happiness come from a mind centered on God as their source rather than from favorable circumstances, companionship, sympathy, or praise. When not fixed on God the mind stays discontented and dependent on others for comfort and approval. At times the mind resting on God in trust experiences this peace while Jesus feels precious and near. A mere profession of perfect peace and submission does not prove true character, for it can be claimed deceitfully and a profession of peace and holiness alone does not show the character true.
Stayed Mind and Trust
The promise is conditional, fulfilled for those who fulfill its conditions by keeping mind and heart fixed, stayed, and continually turned toward God in trust, reliance, and dependence. Keeping the mind fixed gives stability so that trial and temptation do not swing a person from ecstasy to despondency and to the valley of despondency, and do not lead to speaking doubt and gloom to others or uncertain, unhappy words about truth, but gives instead an anchor to the soul both sure and steadfast with God alone as helper. The heart stays on Him continually as He is trusted as helper and fortress, and those who make Him their trust will not be left without His Spirit. This dependence is lived out through continual faith and watchful prayer against temptation, and the heart remaining fixed in faith by seeking Him and depending on Him brings His help and blessing.
Staying the mind means taking God at His word and clinging closely to Him in faith that He honors, holding firmly to His counsel and looking to Jesus through trials and anguish with firm, unwavering reliance on Christ's power through daily perplexities and conflicts. Trust means not trusting own strength and placing trust in no man, but fastening faith upon Christ the mighty deliverer in utter helplessness. That stayed mind brings assurance of Christ's presence in trial, return of peace after anguish and conflict, rejoicing to uplift the word of God before rulers, and calm preparation with Scripture proofs and a vow to confess faith even unto blood.
A stayed heart is sustained through constant watchfulness and prayer and continual faith and prayer against temptation, and for one who loves God prayer is a pleasure and a source of strength. The heart remains stayed as the soul is lifted to heaven in silent prayer even while engaged in daily work, and such communion brings peace that evil powers cannot destroy. Such petitions rise like incense before the throne of grace, the enemy is baffled, the Christian cannot be overcome, and no evil arts can destroy his peace. All the promises of God's word, all the power of divine grace, and all the resources of Jehovah are pledged to secure deliverance, as illustrated by Enoch walking with God with God with him as a present help in every time of need, and this steady dependence maintained through frequent prayer even during daily work protects from Satan's attacks and preserves peace.
The mind is stayed through prayerful dependence in every place and circumstance, looking to God wherever one is and whatever one is doing without waiting to kneel, as when like Nehemiah a brief prayer is sent up before answering under pressure. Even when the future is unknown His word gives light to guide the way, and even when travel makes private prayer impossible a person can silently ask for grace to keep the mind focused and God hears that prayer. Keeping communion through daily life and work includes telling Jesus when darkness or a sense of unworthiness comes and receiving strength against the enemy and joy in the heart.
Keeping the mind fixed means taking everything to Christ in prayer, telling Him all trials, believing He helps, believing His promises instead of looking on the dark side, walking by faith, expressing gratitude in words of thanksgiving, arming with His promises, committing His words to memory, and cherishing faith and trust in Him as teacher while being willing to be taught. His people should tell Him their trials and hold fast to His promises, and keeping the mind fixed gives courage and makes a person a daily overcomer because He gave His life and His followers belong to Him body, soul, and spirit. Trust includes bringing burdens to God in prayer and holding closely to Christ by living faith, and God hears those who rely on His power and gives help as they continue to pray. Keeping the mind on God includes feeding the soul with His life-giving Word and relying on its promises, while distrust and unbelief grieve the Holy Spirit and faith and hope turn the mind toward light.
Keeping the mind on God means relying on His Word as a sure guide and letting actions be governed by what He says rather than feelings or reliance on feelings, as a living faith that works by love and purifies the soul. The mind is to be guarded from influences that depress it and held under God's control, and God keeps in deep peace the person whose mind rests on Him in trust. Keeping thoughts fixed on God enriches and glorifies the mind to choose good and refuse evil, while unholy thoughts degrade the mind and lead to impure actions, and since choices in this life shape eternal destiny the teaching calls for obedience to God's Word.
The mind is stayed by guarding it from distraction and steadily searching the Scriptures so faith is secure and the soul is not led astray to stand in freedom and faith and resist temptation. Prayer rather than gossip helps keep the mind fixed on God and gives strength to resist temptation. Keeping thoughts and influence from wandering away from Christ allows His light to be reflected in words and conduct, while frivolous speech hinders spiritual life. To walk and talk with God is to keep the mind stayed, not speaking idle and trifling words but taking hold of grace so saving and overcoming grace and true godliness and the power of true godliness are seen and felt in the heart.
Staying the heart daily means not letting depressing thoughts rule but being kept in good courage with hope and joy while pressing work is carried forward to completion. Keeping the heart stayed for the day is a morning choice made with thanksgiving to the heavenly Father for rest and sleep and lived out in praise to God as Creator who is good and greatly to be praised. Keeping the mind stayed flows from a thankful heart that trusts the Father is attentive to the wants of those who seek Him, desires His Holy Spirit to rest upon the believer, honors the Lord daily, and seeks a deeper sense of grace. Thoughts fixed on God are guided by divine love and power, and trusting and depending wholly on the Lord brings peace and steadiness and security as a person gives self fully to God and follows His will.
Trust steadies the mind and leads to gentleness and winning souls to Christ, and the call to trust is applied to trusting Jesus and resting in His love. The mind must be stayed on God, not on fallible human leaders, since position gives no one unerring judgment. This calls for reverence for God and continual seeking of His instruction, with no person appointed to take another's place in conscience. Ministers keep the mind stayed by depending more on Christ's presence and less on own efforts and trusting steadily so human weakness does not impair judgment or work, and by trusting and remaining faithful to the work He directs whether or not a particular path of service is His will. Teachers, caregivers, and workers keep minds stayed upon Christ by keeping thoughts on Him, humbly and thankfully receiving His grace, and sharing that grace by seeking to bless others rather than benefit themselves or seek their own benefit.
Protection From Evil Powers
A heart stayed upon God is kept in perfect peace through trust, and that staying is itself protection from Satan's power to overcome the believer and destroy that peace. God watches over His people and makes them secure under His protection, and as His promises are claimed the enemy cannot destroy their peace.
Keeping the thoughts fixed on God in trust leads to a life that honors His name and to power from on high to resist deceptive plans and schemes. Keeping the thoughts stayed on Christ enthroned in the heart as all and in all, with self dead, keeps eternal vigilance because Satan watches eagerly to find believers off guard. That vigilance quickens slumbering faith into action so the soul is not lost, makes the life an honor to His name, and brings power from on high to resist deceptive schemes.
A mind fixed on God is kept in perfect peace and protected when great signs and mighty wonders are designed to deceive God's people and overthrow them. To have the mind stayed is to hold fast to the strong arm of Jehovah and put trust in Him, refusing to fear what the wicked fear or reverence what they reverence, but being bold and valiant for the truth. Those who do this are guarded by angels against evil angels around them inventing new ways to annoy and destroy, kept by God's watchful eye over Israel for good, and saved when the enemy comes in like a flood because the Spirit lifts up a standard against him. Staying on this ground requires watching, putting on the whole armor, and taking the shield of faith, and then the fiery darts of the wicked cannot harm and God's people are able to stand. Just before the final deliverance of the saints, keeping hold of Jehovah with thought fixed on Him protects from deception when satanic power increases through mysterious rappings, mesmerism, miracles, and signs. The protection holds when modern magicians imitate God's powerful work for His people as the magicians of Egypt imitated the signs and wonders wrought through Moses before Pharaoh, and when they explain away the mighty works of Christ as done by that same power, even bringing down fire from heaven. In the face of such deceptive signs and threats the mind must remain fixed on God, keeping trust, standing firm and boldly for the truth, and not fearing or honoring what the wicked fear or honor.
Trusting God and keeping the mind fixed brings peace and protection from evil even while working among people surrounded by darkness and corruption, so that those who make God their trust need not be stained by surrounding evil or put to shame. Christ living in the heart and life is their safety, making the soul abhor evil and bringing thoughts and aims into unity with Him. The Lord can so guard from defilement that students troubled by harmful company can seek Jesus' help in a quiet place. The principle is illustrated by Jacob, who through faith and prayer was changed from a weak sinful man into a prince with God. Keeping thought fixed on God and filled with His Holy Spirit belongs with presenting the truth in its power as it is in Jesus, presenting the affirmative and standing on the platform of eternal truth while saying nothing accusing and nothing that arouses enmity and strife, in connection with proclaiming the message of comfort and preparation in Isaiah 40:1-11.
Steadfastness in Trial
Keeping the mind fixed on God gives stability so that a person does not swing from ecstasy to despondency when trial and temptation come, does not speak doubt and gloom to others or uncertain unhappy words about truth, but has an anchor to the soul both sure and steadfast with God alone as helper, for the promise is conditional and is fulfilled to those who fulfill its conditions. A heart fixed on God trusts Him and remains steadfast through affliction, discouraging circumstances and uncertainty just as in prosperity, because faith reaches beyond what is seen and holds to eternal things, giving constancy through the darkest trials. When the mind is stayed nothing will move the believer, for it means calmness of mind, while a disturbed mind cannot enjoy Christ's peace, and a mind not moved by trouble or opposition finds steadiness by hiding in God and walking humbly before Him rather than complaining and restlessness, relying on His power as wisdom and sufficiency and recognizing His protection and the ways He directs and preserves life and work.
Such trust lets people go forward with assurance despite discouraging appearances, relying on God's power rather than own wisdom, applied to prayer in times of need and perplexity with confidence that He will provide help in His appointed way. Those who rely on God with thoughts fixed have peace amid daily troubles and conflicts, shown in firm unwavering confidence depending on Christ for strength and usefulness, and lived experience proves it true for those who learn His meekness and lowliness, love as He loved, feed on Him and receive eternal life, become like Him in character, manner and dealing, rely on Him as efficiency, have self dead with His life as theirs. Keeping the mind stayed means relying on God amid perplexities and resisting Satan's workings to remain steadfast in truth and overcome through Christ, practiced by keeping communion and relying on His power as wisdom and sufficiency while recognizing His protection and direction. In crisis God's people need to anchor hearts in the living God, keeping the heart fixed and trusting rather than worrying, for this is His keeping power over heart and mind, resting in Him even when burdens feel too heavy or the way forward seems impossible.
Paul's peace amid suffering and steady confidence even facing execution illustrates the promise, coming not from self-sufficiency but from the divine Spirit bringing thought under Christ's will, and its visible expression in his countenance drew others to the gospel. Luther's experience illustrates it also, for not trusting own strength and placing trust in no man but fastening faith upon Christ the mighty deliverer in utter helplessness brings assurance of His presence in trial, return of peace after anguish and conflict, rejoicing to uplift God's word before rulers, and calm preparation with Scripture proofs and a vow to confess faith even unto blood. One whose mind is fixed by faith laying hold on Infinite Power is kept without fear for himself even while suffering in body and drifting fourteen days under a sunless and starless heaven in deadly storm, knowing God will preserve him to bear witness at Rome, and is made able in the darkest hour to speak hope and give practical help in every emergency and to plead in pity for sinful degraded souls unprepared to die until prayer to spare their lives is granted.
Peace and trust remain a comfort in danger and uncertainty, for even amid storm, fog and surroundings that seem dark, faith stays directed toward God and Jesus like a compass holding its course through rough seas, holding firm even in immediate danger and severe distress because God has power over threatening forces, and trust through each trial teaches dependence on Him and confidence in His presence and protection. Staying minds on the Lord was how peace was sought in the uncertainty and danger of the journey, keeping faith actively directed toward Him through fear, illness and hardship even while the outcome was uncertain, leaving travelers peaceful and happy despite hardship and wanting the heart to stay on Him continually as helper and fortress who will not leave His own without His Spirit. Peace holds through pain, difficulty, illness and apparent weakness by keeping faith active rather than judging by outward appearances.
In illness and uncertainty trust includes surrendering the will to God and leaving the outcome to Him confident He will act as He sees best and for His glory, resting in His love and care as refuge even amid weakness and troubling surroundings, finding consolation in suffering and comfort and hope in the good, kind, loving Redeemer amid perplexities and affliction, as when weak and unable to attend a meeting the mind is stayed upon the Lord. The promise belongs to those who use every God-appointed means in harmony with faith, claim the promise, commit the will to God's will, draw near to Christ as Physician and Healer in perfect trust, and accept a needed operation when the physician is willing without denying faith, which God honors in the very manner He sees is for His own name's glory. The peace sustains through bereavement and lack of comfort from others, and brings rest amid weariness, sorrow and trials through childlike faith that God knows every trial and is a compassionate ever-present help, instead of murmuring.
In perplexing circumstances including lack of money despite doing one's best, the verse calls for calm trust rather than anxiety or confusion while keeping the mind open to the Holy Spirit. For workers facing temptation and contact with unbelievers, trust supports steadfast loyalty and integrity and brings steadiness amid temptation and shifting opinions, for a person fixed on Christ is balanced, not easily unsettled by discouraging influences but rises above them to serve faithfully in demanding work, with Christ formed within as hope of glory and godliness as foundation of true dignity and completeness of character. Trust in the Lord is strength and hope amid conflict, joined with humble obedience and faithful action, giving courage, guarding against discouragement, and maintaining trust and courage with the heart stayed on God.
Resting in God's love while faithfully doing His work and leaving burdens and consequences with Him brings freedom and inexpressible peace and joy as if borne by everlasting arms, without trying to clear away confusion and contradiction of faith and feeling and unbelief or becoming depressed, but speaking His word with authority whether men listen or not and leaving all consequences with Him. The call to keep the mind stayed applies trust to the dangers and pressures of the time, including commercial schemes and pursuit of wealth, urging reliance on God with simplicity and prudence. Keeping the mind fixed is part of preparing for the Lord's coming and what is coming upon earth, letting works correspond with faith and influence tell for truth, leaving no room for carelessness and indifference which cannot honor Him nor for despondency which cannot glorify Him, putting first importance on securing one's own salvation and saving others with everything else secondary.
Guidance Provision and Character
The perfect peace of the stayed mind includes trust in the heavenly Father to supply temporal needs instead of anxious care about clothing, and that promise becomes precious to those who take the Saviour's principles as their guide for life. For those surrendered to the service of Christ, to be kept in complete peace means that He never calls a person and then forsakes him, but has made provision for every position in which He places His servants. He gives a Guide to direct the way in every situation, a sure Counselor in every perplexity, and a sympathizing Friend in sorrow and bereavement and loneliness, with omnipotent power outstretched to lead onward. He sends help to those who go forward for His name's glory until His word triumphs gloriously over those who watch for their failure, so those who draw near to God and serve Him faithfully can rely on His help to lead them onward and bring honor to His name.
To stay the mind on Him is to rely on Him for wisdom and guidance at every step, which puts the believer where the Saviour's words can be heard. That faith which holds fast to God leads on to perfection of character and prepares His people for Him to reveal Himself to them, in order that they may carry precious truth to all parts of the world. Putting this trust to the test proves that He gives wisdom and guidance at every step. Keeping soul and mind stayed upon Christ comes by receiving the truth in the love of its sacred principles, and a mind thus stayed speaks and acts like a Christian and exerts a purifying and uplifting influence. It is not satisfied until the truth has cleansed the life from every unessential thing and the mind is molded day by day by the holy influences of the Spirit of God, so that Christ can speak to the heart and His direction is heard and obeyed, while truth cleanses and ennobles the heart. For the teacher in particular this settled trust shapes speech and conduct into the likeness of Christ.
Keeping the mind fixed on God enables the cultivation of Christian character, the practical knowing of God and Jesus Christ in daily life, and the approval of a good conscience. From a mind stayed upon God in trust comes peace and holy, sanctified independence, as the heart is released from worldly attachments and fastened upon God who is pure and holy. That fixed mind also prepares a person to meet the Lord at the soon review, and it shapes speech and conduct so that conversation brings light and peace and comfort and blessing into the home. In that home fathers and mothers teach their children to know Christ and what they must be and do in order to enter the kingdom of God. Keeping the heart stayed on God means turning to Him amid distress, and seeking Him and depending on Him in faith brings His help and blessing.