The Peace That Planners Can't Provide

“You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Trust in the Lord always,
for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.”
Isaiah 26:3-4 (NLT)

Arise and shine, dear one! God is with you!

“You bought the last one in stock! We’ll have to update the display now.”

The salesclerk at Costco confirmed that we had made a good decision to shop that evening. My daughter clutched our new electronic family calendar, declaring it felt like we'd won the lottery. As the last one available, this popular organizational tool seemed like the perfect solution for managing our busy household.

While setting up our exciting new calendar, tapping the screen to color-code each family member, I realized how easily I fall into the trap of believing that more preparation equals more of God’s peace. The lie whispers that if I can just get organized enough, plan thoroughly enough, or structure my days perfectly enough, I'll finally experience the peace I'm craving.

Yes, an orderly home and routine certainly contribute to a peaceful environment, but it’s not the same as God’s peace. That kind of peace goes much deeper and isn’t dependent on our circumstances or surroundings.

Isaiah 26:3-4 reveals what truly matters: where we place our trust. If I'm trusting in my schedule for peace, any interruption or change of plans will rattle me. But when my trust is anchored in the Lord, whose character is unchanging and who serves as my eternal Rock, I can experience His perfect peace regardless of life's chaos.

This trust begins in our thought life. When my mind fills with worry, doubt, and fear, I'm revealing where my trust really lies. But I can take those anxious thoughts captive by fixing them on Jesus instead. Replacing anxiety with the Truth of God's Word points my heart toward an attitude of genuine trust.

So, what are you trusting in, dear one? Your ability to manage life's chaos? Your organizational skills and carefully laid plans? Or is your trust truly anchored in the Lord?

Today pay attention to your thoughts as they reveal whether your heart relies on Jesus or if the Holy Spirit is gently reminding you to place your trust in the Lord always, your eternal Rock.