And on the seventh day, God rested.

God took a moment to find peace — and as humans, we need it too. But perfect peace is more than just a day of quiet. The biblical promise of perfect peace offers something deeper and more profound. In God, we will find a steady, abiding presence that transcends life’s challenges and brings clarity, trust, and rest.

In this episode of the Live from Rest podcast, host Steve Smith delves into this transformative idea of perfect peace, drawing inspiration from Isaiah 26:3. Steve unpacks the promise of this profound state, available to those who keep their minds fixed on God. With his extensive experience as a doctor specializing in addiction recovery, Steve blends spiritual wisdom with practical strategies, offering insights into how renewing our minds and focusing on divine truth can lead to lasting peace, even in the midst of life’s trials.

This conversation is for anyone longing to break free from anxiety, addiction, or mental unrest, or simply seeking a deeper sense of calm and spiritual connection. This episode offers practical tools and encouragement to transform your mindset and step into a life of profound rest and trust.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:

1. Understand how the biblical concept of perfect peace can transform your mindset and help you navigate life’s chaos with a sense of calm and clarity.
2. Gain practical strategies to renew your mind and focus on positive truths to overcome anxiety, addiction, and negative thinking.
3. Reflect on the connection between rest, gratitude, and rejoicing and how these practices can lead to a deeper spiritual peace that surpasses all understanding.

Resources

• Live from Rest Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 
• Live from Rest App: Google Play | App Store
• The Keys Project: Website 

Episode Highlights

The Promise of Perfect Peace

• In this chaotic world, we continually seek the perfect peace that offers clarity and calm amid the turmoil.
• Perfect peace, as described in Isaiah 26:3, is a promise of profound rest and stability for those who remain steadfast in trusting God.
• Steve unpacks the deeper meaning of "perfect peace," rooted in the Hebrew phrase "Shalom, Shalom," which emphasizes a state of complete wholeness and harmony.
• This verse has become a cornerstone of Steve’s spiritual journey and a source of enduring strength.

Steve: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you not as the world gives do I give you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid - John 14:27.”

Why Many of Us Struggle to Find Peace

• Steve examines why so many people, including Christians, struggle to experience the peace promised in scripture.
• People often turn to substances or destructive behaviors to cope with mental and emotional turmoil.
• Reflecting on John 14:27, Steve emphasizes Jesus’ words about taking responsibility for not letting hearts be troubled or afraid.
• He encourages listeners to confront and replace negative thought patterns with God’s truth as a pathway to peace.
  
  

Practical Steps to Attain Perfect Peace

• Steven reminds us that, as in Romans 12:2, transformation is possible for anyone through metamorphosis.

Steve: “Jesus says we can be metamorphized by changing the way we think.”

• Using the analogy of tuning a radio, he explains how to align thoughts with God’s truth while filtering out negativity.
• Practical lifestyle changes like prioritizing rest, exercising, eating well, and limiting screen time are suggested as tools to foster inner peace.
• Gratitude and rejoicing, even in difficult circumstances, are highlighted as powerful spiritual practices that align our thoughts with God’s promises.
  
  

Focusing on Positive Thoughts and Rejoicing

• Steve highlights the importance of focusing on positive truths and replacing negative thoughts that rob us of peace.
• He shares the story of a friend who finds calm by repeating verses from the song In Christ Alone, demonstrating the power of uplifting affirmations.
• Maintaining peace requires deliberate effort and a choice to focus on life-giving thoughts.

Rejoicing and Giving Thanks

• Steve reflects on Philippians 4:4-7, which encourages rejoicing in the Lord always and praying with thanksgiving.

Steve: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say, rejoice… Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God”

• He explains how gratitude and rejoicing, regardless of circumstances, can lead to the peace of God guarding one’s heart and mind.
• Remember to be mindful of your thought patterns and focus on God's truth rather than the lies and negativity that can bombard one's mind.
  
  

About Steve Smith

Steve Smith is a passionate advocate for finding rest and peace in a world filled with busyness and distraction. A medical doctor with a deep love for both science and faith, Steve brings a unique perspective to the intersection of spirituality, personal reflection, and the wonders of creation. Through his work on the Live from Rest podcast and app, he guides listeners to the glory of God by exploring timeless truths and practical approaches to living with intention and balance.

Drawing on his personal journey, Steve offers thought-provoking insights into the harmony between faith and the natural world. His reflections, grounded in scripture, encourage others to marvel at the intricacy of life and the universe as evidence of God’s design. Known for his relatable storytelling and thoughtful approach, Steve inspires listeners to find rest in the glory of God while navigating life’s challenges. Whether through his meditations, teachings, or reflections on faith, he equips audiences with tools to embrace peace, clarity, and resilience in their daily lives.

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Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in, then leave us a review. You can also share this episode with your friends and family. Perfect peace begins when you intentionally focus your mind on God’s truth. Trust in His promises to bring clarity and calm amidst life’s chaos. Embrace the profound rest that comes from aligning your thoughts with His perfect peace and allow it to guard your heart and mind in every circumstance.

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