This sermon, based on Isaiah 26, explores the theme of finding perfect peace through trust in God. Pastor Ortiz emphasizes the necessity of anchoring our hearts and minds in God, especially during life’s challenges, and highlights three key areas: encouragement, comfort, and peace.

Key Themes:

1. Encouragement: Encouragement comes not from external sources such as media, people, or things, but from God. True encouragement is found by recognizing God’s presence in every situation and understanding that He is always with us.

2. Comfort: When encouragement isn’t enough, God offers comfort. This comfort is a personal and intimate experience of God’s grace and mercy during times of deep sorrow or anxiety. Men and women alike need this assurance of God’s closeness, particularly in moments of vulnerability.

3. Perfect Peace: Isaiah 26:3 promises perfect peace to those whose minds are stayed on God because they trust in Him. This peace transcends circumstances and exists even amidst external conflicts or internal struggles. It is described as “shalom,” a completeness and harmony that defies life’s pressures.

Obstacles to Peace:

• Anxiety and Worry: Mental and chemical anxieties are distinguished, with mental anxiety being manageable by focusing on prayer and God’s promises.

• Fear: Fear is not from God but often stems from overexposure to negative influences like media or personal insecurities.

• Anger: Misplaced anger can rob us of peace, especially when directed at those who are not the root of the problem.

• Pride and Doubts: Pride and doubts about God’s goodness or existence can separate us from His peace.

Path to Peace:

1. Trust in God: Trust goes beyond belief—it requires action and reliance on God’s promises. Trusting God means surrendering control and allowing Him to direct your path.

2. Prayer and Supplication: Through consistent prayer, we align our hearts with God’s will and receive His peace, which surpasses understanding.

3. Meditating on God’s Word: Keeping our minds rooted in Scripture ensures stability and clarity amidst life’s challenges.

4. Faithful Living: Remaining steadfast in faith, regardless of circumstances, allows God to work through us and bring peace.

Encouragement from Scripture:

Isaiah 9:6 reminds us of Christ’s titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. These titles reveal the multifaceted nature of God and His ability to bring comfort, guidance, strength, and peace to His people.

The sermon concludes with a call to stop merely believing that God can provide peace and to start trusting that He will. This trust leads to a life anchored in God’s promises, allowing believers to echo the hymn, “It Is Well with My Soul,” finding peace in God regardless of life’s trials.