Isaiah 26:3-4 (Click on reference to read text)
July 4th, 2008, our little family of three at the time, went to a concert in a ball park in town. It started out as a beautiful day, when all of a sudden a horrible storm rolled in. We immediately ran into the concourse and huddled against the wall. The sky was turning green, lightening struck the ballpark putting us in complete darkness, it was pouring and the wind was tremendous. So here I was with my husband, my little baby (7 mos. old at the time), wondering if we were about to get sucked up into a tornado. However, the most beautiful thing happened... our baby girl fell asleep in my husband's arms. Yes, the storms were raging all around her, yet she slept. She knew her Daddy had her, so she was going to be okay, despite her circumstances.
In Isaiah 26, our Heavenly Father promises to keep us in perfect peace, if we keep our mind steadfast on Him (vs. 3). To remain steadfast is not to waiver, doubt or worry. The revised version uses the wording, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose IMAGINATION is stayed on Thee." We must keep our thoughts and even our day dreams stayed on the solid rock. It will do no good to wonder about the what ifs, to imagine ever possible scenario and outcome of our situation, to try to figure out every possible answer to anything that might arise... just keep your mind, your thoughts and imagination stayed on the Father above. The Lord commands us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5).
So what do we think about? How do we control the roller coaster of our imagination and our what ifs? Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Don't worry about the future. What is true in your life right now? Praise Him for it. (For example: are you worried about losing your job? Praise him for the truth that right now you have a job) It is our choice. We must choose to trust in the Lord FOREVER, for He is our Rock eternal (vs. 4).
If the "what ifs" happen, and sometimes they will, believe that He is good. PERIOD. God is good, period. He loves you, has your best interest at heart, and promises to use that situation for your ultimate good (Ro. 8:28). Say it with your mouth until you believe it in your heart.
I could cry thinking about my baby girl asleep in her Daddy's arms and then picturing myself in perfect peace in my Heavenly Father's arms. During these crazy times that we are living in now, it is so easy to freak out and feel so disturbed and full of unrest, for there really are some serious storms raging around us. Yet WE ARE IN OUR FATHER'S ARMS!!! So rest, your Daddy is in control!