I love the way the AMP version emphasizes Isaiah 26:3; “You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].”
You see, it’s easy to be committed and focused on Jesus when things are going good, but for some of us (including myself) when our lives are unexpectedly turned upside down our focus will immediately shift to the problem rather than the Problem Solver.
God never said take refuge in our problems or people, rather He calls us to turn those things over to Him by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving (Phil 4:6-7) and to fully take refuge in Him (Psalm 46:1).
The word “refuge” is defined as a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble. In other words, taking refuge in God means that we can find complete safety in Him because He is our shield from danger and trouble. He is the only One that can truly provide us with shelter in the midst of our life threatening storms.
Friends, trusting in God means to take refuge in Him. It also means that we must place all of our hope and confidence in knowing that He will always navigate us through life’s most vicious and turbulent waters!
Edward Bickersteth, Jr. penned these words in his hymn entitled; Peace, Perfect Peace (excerpt):
“Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.
Peace, perfect peace, ’mid suffering’s sharpest throes?
The sympathy of Jesus breathes repose….”
4GIVEN 