“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.  Isaiah 26:3

This week my Bible in a Year reading is all about peace.  And I love what this verse says about peace, “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]…” 

But the words Jesus highlighted for me were, “committed and focused on You – in both inclination and character…”  Read that a couple times.  Sit in the words.  Be still with Jesus while you repeat the words over and over.  I kept saying them over and over while I walked this morning.  Then I tried to define the word inclination.  I smacked into a brick wall.  I know the meaning in my mind, but I can’t really define with my words.  So, I broke it down (I was out walking therefore no dictionary look up on my phone.  I can’t walk and read.)  Inclination comes from incline.  If I’m inclined to do something then I’m favorably motivated to do it.  That still doesn’t sound quite right.

Here is what the dictionary said:  feel willing or favorably disposed toward (an action, belief, or attitude) and/or have a tendency to do something.  

I guess I was closer than I thought.  To apply it to the Scripture verse, I feel willing and favorably disposed toward being committed and focused on Jesus.  To me the character of someone is the very essence of who they are as a person.  It is the constant part of who they are internally that is then reflected externally.  Does that make sense?  The dictionary defines it as:  the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.

Now let’s put it all together.  Jesus keeps the one (you and me) in His perfect and constant peace when our minds are steadfast – committed and focused on Him.  The ones who feel willing and favorably disposed towards our commitment to Jesus.  This steadfast commitment is the very essence of who we are as a person.  It is the constant part of who we are internally.  And our commitment to Jesus is reflected externally by our actions, words, and love.

Yep, that’s where my mind went as I walked and talked with Jesus about this Scripture verse.

Until next time, with Jesus’ help, let’s be less messy and choose what’s better.