Patriots Day in Boston is known as a day of festivities and celebration as the Sox are playing at Fenway and the world famous Boston Marathon is taking place.  The tragic bombing at the finish line of the Boston Marathon rudely reminded us of the presence of evil in this world.  The prophet Isaiah lived in a time that was characterized by uncertainty and significant danger to his country.  As he fearlessly prophesied to the nation of Israel he also delivered God’s perspective as a ray of hope in the midst of uncertainty,

The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.  Trust in the LORD forever, for in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.  (Isaiah 26:3-4)

“Perfect peace” is the the Hebrew word shalom (שָׁלוֹם) which is quite rich in its meaning.  It conveys the idea of completeness, soundness, safety, welfare, peace, quiet, tranquility, and contentment.  Shalom is not simply the absence of war but it is the presence of peace.  The presence of trouble in your life does not mean the absence of God.  Perfect peace may seem to be an illusion in our fallen world but Jesus has made it a reality for you,

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.  John 14:27

We live in a world filled with tragedy and uncertainty but we do not need to live in fear and timidity,

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.  (2 Timothy 1:7)

May you go forth in God’s perfect peace knowing that He is an everlasting Rock!

Dr. Rick Higgins

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University