The Peace of Purpose

The Peace of Purpose
JOY OF THE CROSS 
Terry R. Baughman

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:3–4).

Living in God’s presence and in submission to His divine purpose produces incredible peace in what may otherwise be a chaotic culture. Elusive calm can be achieved when we surrender our ambitions to His unerring calling. There is serenity in embracing destiny; perfect peace when we are focused on His purpose.
​
Isaiah revealed the secret to this “perfect peace” when he connected it to the strength of the Lord. If we continue to “trust in the Lord” our minds are steadied, settled in the assurance of God’s provision. In the Lord is “everlasting strength” and we find peace and security in Him. (See Isaiah 26:3–4.) Confidence in His inestimable strength enables us to have faith in His unending ability to bring unparalleled peace in our lives. 
In another passage Isaiah revealed that righteousness is an answer to a peaceful existence. He said, “The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places” (Isaiah 32:17–18). Righteous actions result from a right relationship with Jesus. His righteousness leads us to a life that is secure, peaceful, and a place of quiet rest. His purpose is to live righteously; fulfilling His purpose produces peace. Paul wrote, “The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:11–12).
Jesus, the promised Son of Isaiah, was identified as the “Prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6). He is the one who brings righteousness and peace. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27). Jesus came with a cause. He lived with the purpose to fulfill all righteousness. He died in the plan of God to bring us redemption, and rose to life to empower us with salvation. 
Conflict is inevitable and problems will often weigh heavily on our hearts. Christ’s call was, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” He went on to say, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30). While there are constraints we will find them easy; while the burdens have weight, we will find them light. Connection with Christ lifts the load and we will find rest even in the labor of our calling. 
 Paul declared “that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). As we find ourselves in relationship with God and respond to His holy call, we will find assurance in our efforts and peace in His purpose.


Scripture:
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2).

​

---