Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

PERFECT PEACE

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. “ Isaiah 26:3

This is a most interesting verse that cries out for intense meditation on keywords. Looking to the Hebrew language we learn: “Keep” is “Natsar;” “keep, preserve, blockade;” “Perfect” is “Shalowm” peace, quiet tranquility.” “Peace” is “Shalowm” (same word that is translated ‘perfect’) “Complete soundness and tranquility especially with God in covenant relationship.” “Mind” is “Yatsar” “Purpose, imagination, intellectual framework.” “Stayed” is “Camak,” “Rest, lean upon, Lay.” “Trusteth” is “Batach,” “Trust, confidence, boldness.” Incorporating those ideas into a more literal translation of this verse, it would read something like this: “Thou wilt keep him preserved, even blockaded in quiet, peaceable tranquility and complete soundness, especially with God in covenant relationship, whose intellectual framework leans upon thee, because he has trust and confident boldness in thee.”

WHAT PEACE!! Here is the treasure the whole world seeks in all the wrong places, and all the wrong ways. But it should be understood that peace is NOT the absence of adversity, problems, ill health, etc. True peace rides above these things which are bound to visit everyone simply because our world (cosmos) operates on the laws of sin and of death. Truly, man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble, Job 14:1.

It is profoundly amazing that sinners who, for that reason, are estranged from their Creator should know or enjoy any semblance of peace; living in a sinful world with a sinful nature. Still, genuine peace as the prophet referenced is not only accessible, it is given in abundance to those who properly seek it from the heavenly source. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Then he went on to say to those who put their trust in Him: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27.

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