By Pastor Barbara Perdue

Life can get really busy. If you’re like me, sometimes it feels like everything starts happening at once, and before you know it, your thoughts are going in a dozen different directions, and the peace you had seems to disappear.

That’s why I love the promise in Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

God doesn’t tell us that peace is only available when everything around us is calm. He gives us a way to experience peace by keeping our attention on Him and trusting Him. When life feels uncertain, or your thoughts start running away with you, this verse gives you something solid to come back to.

What Does “He Will Keep in Perfect Peace” Mean?

Isaiah 26:3 tells us that He will keep in perfect peace the person whose mind is stayed on God.

The original Hebrew word used for peace is shalom, which means completeness, safety, welfare, health, prosperity, peace, quiet, tranquility, contentment, and peace in relationships.

God’s peace reaches into every area of our lives. The world’s peace can be affected by circumstances and come and go depending on what’s happening around us. God offers a peace that comes through trusting Him.

That means your circumstances don’t have to be perfect for you to experience His peace.

What Does It Mean to Keep Your Mind Stayed on God?

A mind that is stayed, or steadfast, doesn’t move away from its foundation. Think of it like an anchor that keeps you from drifting into fear, doubt, or hopelessness.

When my mind is stayed on God, I’m not spending my time rehearsing all the “what if” scenarios or imagining the worst possible outcome. I’m remembering God’s faithfulness. I’m thinking about who He is, what He has promised, and the truth that nothing is impossible for Him.

Keeping your mind stayed on God requires you to pay attention to where your thoughts are going and intentionally bring them back to Him.

How Does Isaiah 26:3 Apply to Modern Life?

One of the greatest challenges we face today is keeping our attention focused. There are so many things competing for it.

I like to read verses in different Bible translations because sometimes another translation helps bring out the meaning. The Amplified Bible says:

“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.”

We often think peace will come when the situation changes. We tell ourselves we’ll have peace when the problem is solved, the decision is made, or the uncertainty is gone.

But God’s plan for peace isn’t dependent on our circumstances changing. As we commit ourselves to Him, lean on Him, and confidently place our hope in Him, our thoughts have somewhere secure to rest.

How Can I Experience Perfect Peace During Anxiety?

When you begin feeling anxious, practice what Isaiah 26:3 teaches.

Instead of continually focusing on whatever is causing the anxiety, turn your attention toward what God has promised in His Word. Remember what He has already done in your life. Think about His true nature. He is loving, all-powerful, all-knowing, and faithful.

You may need to redirect your thoughts more than once. That’s okay. Each time fear tries to pull your attention back toward the problem, return your thoughts to God.

Keep your mind steadfast on Him and let His perfect peace fill you.

What Does the Bible Say About Overcoming Anxious Thoughts?

God’s Word has answers for what we face, and I’ve learned to let His Word speak peace to me louder than anxious thoughts.

Philippians 4:6–7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”

Psalm 119:165 says, “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.”

Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

These verses give us something stronger to focus on when our thoughts try to move toward fear.

How Can Prayer Lead to Greater Peace?

Prayer is simply talking to God. Jesus regularly prayed to His Father, including the night before He was arrested.

Prayer connects me with God as I pour out my thoughts and anxieties to Him. Instead of carrying everything around in my own mind, I can bring it to Him and listen as His soft voice comforts my spirit and brings peace deep within me.

Philippians 4 connects prayer directly with the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds. When something is troubling you, pray about it and trust God with it.

What Are Practical Ways to Keep My Mind Focused on God?

Praise is my favorite practical way to keep my mind focused on God.

Every morning, I go for a walk and sing and praise Him. Then I play praise music in my house throughout the day. When I’m praising God for who He is and what He has done, I’m filled with gratitude and faith that He will keep His promises to me.

And one of those promises is perfect peace!

You can also spend time reading God’s Word, pray when anxious thoughts arise, and intentionally remind yourself of His faithfulness. What you give your attention to influences where your thoughts go, so keep bringing your attention back to God.

When life gets loud, you can keep coming back to God’s promise of peace. Fill your mind with His Word, spend time in prayer and praise, and remind yourself that the God you trust is greater than whatever is competing for your attention.

For more encouragement, explore Charis Christian Center’s free teaching Keep Calm and Carry On: Living in Peace and Tranquility, along with other downloadable resources designed to help you grow in God’s Word. You’re also invited to worship with us at Charis Christian Center in person or online. Services are Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.