Perfect Peace

We live in a world in which it seems most people can’t agree on anything. There is something though that certainly is desired by virtually everyone—peace. Peace is a word that is peaceful and positive. Peace is something that many strive for but lack. Every person wants to have peace of mind, and peace with God is something that all people need, even if they don’t recognize it. The two are interrelated. A person who has peace with God can achieve peace of mind. The Bible even talks about the possibility of a perfect peace.

The prophet Isaiah wrote during a time of terrible turmoil. He spoke passionately of judgment and hope. Amid his many words comes the formula for perfect peace. It is at once simple and profound. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). Other versions state that God will keep in perfect (complete, genuine) peace those whose minds are steadfast or whose thoughts are fixed on the Lord.

There are several elements here that are worth noting. The source of peace is God Himself. He is the One who can keep His children in perfect peace. Another aspect that is in view is the fact that the believer must choose a mindset that is focused on God. When we pursue people and things as the world does, we are failing to do what is best for ourselves. That is why we are commanded to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). Finding peace begins in the mind. We are to take every thought captive in obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). It isn’t hard to have our minds on God when we are in church or are looking for help in a crisis, but perfect peace only comes to those whose minds stay on Him. When our minds are stayed on God, we are more likely to be able to trust in Him. That inner tranquility that God provides then enables us to continue to trust.

The hymn writer penned, “Oh, what peace we often forfeit; oh, what needless pain we bear.” How foolish it is to miss out on peace when God wants to provide us with perfect peace. “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). We may not understand God’s peace, but we certainly should pursue it.

—Lee Seese