You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)

Last week we discussed having a FULL 2022 by filling it with thanks. Today let’s determine to have a peace-FULL new year. I know, it almost sound like an oxymoron when we read about tensions in the Ukraine and North Korea’s ballistic missile launches. And how do we respond to the suffering refugees in Afghanistan and the broadening of abortion rights in New Jersey? Then there’s Covid’s reign of fear, offering no respite from its sober statistics and formidable threats.

During my recent bout with the disease I learned that a friend, younger than me, died from it. I was rattled—and then another woman I knew died. My isolation and lingering symptoms didn’t help my perspective. I had to consciously fight recurring negative thoughts.

Instead of rehashing world disasters and rehearsing sad stories, I set my mind on God’s words:

• “My times are in your hands” (Ps. 31:15).
• “All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful” (Ps. 25:10).
• “You satisfy my desires with good things so that my youth is renewed” (Ps. 103:5).
• “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come” (Pr. 31:25).
• “You are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (Ps. 25:5b).

Friends, the only way we’ll have a peace-FULL 2022 is by keeping our minds stayed on God—remaining, dwelling, settled, fixed on Him and His Word.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

Last week challenged this series for the new year—A Full 2022. Covid hit me and I wasn’t feeling “full,” unless pain and congestion count. Hence my omission of a post last Thursday.

I insisted that despite chills, fever, and aches, I would be true to my goal of a full year. I chose to be thank-FULL. I thanked God for everything I could think of—warm blankets, a patient husband, chicken soup, ibuprofen, a cozy robe, calls from kids, soft tissues, cold water, dry crackers, mail delivery, the first true snowfall in our new house, squeals from neighbors sledding, sunshine and blue skies, deer prints in the snow…

I found the choice was not always easy but what was my option? Should I let disappointment ransack the first week of the year and pillage my heart?

Let’s begin making 2022 a FULL year by being thank-full.