You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

— Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

Anxiety. Fear. Worry. We live in a time of “men’s hearts failing them for fear” (Luke 21:26 NKJV). If you are like most Americans, you have to confess that you are often troubled by many things. People are anxious and worried; peace is elusive and never lasts.

How much serenity do we have? The word “serenity” is not found in the Bible, but it conveys the concept in words that mean the same thing. The Bible talks about “peace” and “rest” and “quiet”—something most people experience very little of. Shalom is the word in the Bible for the peace that includes security and wholeness.

How tragic that millions who have never found the solution to the sin problem are trying to find serenity in some other way. It can never, ever be done, my friends. It just will not work. You have to have the forgiveness of God before you can have serenity and peace of mind. Christ Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and He offers us the peace of God.

This is perhaps one of the reasons Paul greets his readers with “Grace and peace.” Without grace, there is no peace.

Question to ponder:
How can a person be serene in the midst of chaos?