“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” - Isaiah 26:3, ESV
I re-fluffed my pillow and turned to the other side in hopes of finding rest. For several hours, I had attempted to stop my mind from racing so that I could drift off to peaceful slumber. Sadly, all sweet sleep was drowned out by my mental frustration over well-laid plans that had unexpectedly crumbled. I could not set aside my disappointment, and I had no idea what to do next about the situation. “Fix it, Jesus. Please help me figure this out,” I whispered in the dark.
Well-laid plans prepared in the daylight can unexpectedly turn into a nightmare. We cannot control how our loved ones will respond to a course of action, nor can we perfectly arrange every detail of our future without any unforeseen changes. Chaos quickly replaces calm when we expend all our energy trying to plot out an irreversible design to achieve our desired intentions.
The next morning, I crawled out of bed, made myself a cup of tea, and reached for my Bible. I knew I needed to surrender my plans to God and stop brooding because my strategically mapped out arrangements for success had failed to turn out the way I had initially hoped they would transpire. Plans suddenly change, but God promises His children can rest in His constant care and remain at peace.
In the original Hebrew language, the Prophet Isaiah repeats the word “shalom” in one sweet verse to place double emphasis on the perfect “inner wholeness” you and I can experience. If we simply take our focus off our ever-changing circumstances and meditate on the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father, His peace will surround us like a shield, guarding our hearts and minds. His “shalom shalom” keeps us secure.
Where our mind rests determines our destiny. Our thoughts have to be fixed on God’s steadfast love to find relief. We only benefit from the promise of living completely “untroubled” as we choose to contemplate the awesomeness of our Almighty God. Rehearsing His attributes helps us fully rely on His overcoming power and presence and lay aside our doubt and fear.
To keep our minds “stayed” on God, we can meditate on His incomparable nature:
- My infinite God has no beginning or end. My future plans are safe in His care. He will never be confined by space or time.
- The absolute power of the Creator upholds all that concerns me. No obstacle today can stop Him from accomplishing His divine plan for my tomorrow.
- The Lord’s goodness will follow me all the days of my life. He has promised to work all things together for my good. I can trust He will complete the good work He has begun in my life.
Peace does not rest in our well-laid plans. The Lord will sustain us as we spend time in His presence. When our strategic preparations fall apart, we can trust our faithful God to continue to work out His perfect will. We need not strive to “fix it” or “figure it out” because the God who never slumbers remains on watch over every moment of our lives.
Let's pray ...
Dear God,
I surrender my plans to You. I lay my broken dreams, my unmet expectations, and all my hope at Your feet. I acknowledge that I cannot control the outcome of tomorrow, but I know that You remain faithful. May Your “shalom” guard my mind and protect me from anxious thoughts. Help me to rest in Your steadfast love and trust that Your good purpose for me will always prevail.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/TomMerton
“Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder.” (Romans 12:9-12, MSG)
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Debra shares practical wisdom on how to grow in self-awareness, strengthen communication, and take ownership of the ways we impact the people we love. Whether you’re dating, married, leading others, or simply wanting healthier relationships, this episode offers hope-filled tools to help you break unhealthy cycles and build deeper connection.
If you’ve ever wondered why relationships can feel harder than they should—or how to become a healthier version of yourself—this conversation is for you. Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Tuesday, 15 September 2026.
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