As you read this week’s verse, ask Holy Spirit to open you up to perceive how the mind of Christ and the imagination unify to unveil peace that is within us.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”
Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV
“perfect, absolute peace surrounds those whose imaginations are consumed with you; they confidently trust in you”. Isaiah 26:3 TPT
The Hebrew word for “mind” is yetser. “this word means imagination that forms and frames up”. This Hebrew word is used nine times in the old testament. The imagination, both good and evil, is a frequent concept in the Bible. Our imagination is set apart for God. Our imagination can be a container for God’s prophetic dreams and visions. Our imagination through the Holy Spirit can bring the bible to life as we meditate on the truth. It can open our spiritual eyes to see our Father’s heart. The imagination is a conduit of creativity.
The mind is the ability for rational thought while imagination is the “image-making” power of the mind; the act of reproducing an object or concept not previously perceived. It helps us discover the hiddenness of God when it's mixed with the word of God. The mind and imagination work together with our beliefs and perspectives. The purpose is a union between us and God.
I recently read a research article (PNAS January 2014) that was conducted after the bombing at the Boston marathon. After compiling the information, it was discovered that those who watched the incident on television had more symptoms of post-traumatic stress than the people that were actually at the event when it occurred.
After reading the article, I was intrigued by how images can affect us so profoundly.
I recalled my personal experience of viewing the events of 9/11 on various forms of media back in 2001. The images played in my mind frequently and initially, created negative energy. I replayed ways to protect my family in the event of another attack in my mind.
After a week of watching crashing buildings, and rescue efforts, Holy Spirit began to draw my attention to various interviews with Christians; those who had experienced the calamity first hand but were anchored in the goodness of God shared their “glory” stories publicly. Their minds were transformed in truth, so their faith was not shaken. They were rooted in faith and it was evident by the fruit of peace. These good reports impacted me on a deep level and watered a desire to seek a deeper relationship with Christ. I began to imagine, I could know God more intimately and experience His peace in all circumstances. It was in September of 2001, that I began to devour the Bible and earnestly pray through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
The 9/11 tragedy was a catalyst to my spiritual growth.
We were created in the image of peace. It’s who we are. We were not designed to work harder for peace through self-protection. Peace was implanted within us. We live by faith, not by what we see with our eyes.
Surely mercy and goodness will follow us all the days of our lives!
Now for the question to ponder this week:
How does the way you imagine and think about God affect your experience of inner peace?