Perfect Peace
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 26:1-4
The English Standard Version, like a lot of translations, gives us the first line of Isaiah 26:3 as “You keep him in perfect peace…” Isaiah doesn’t write it that way, although the translation does give us an accurate meaning. The meaning of Isaiah’s Hebrew would be missed if it were translated literally. Therefore, the English use of “perfect peace,” is about as good a way to say it and get the gist of the verse as possible.
Isaiah doesn’t use an adjective. He doesn’t say “perfect peace.” He says, “peace peace.” Repetition is a Hebrew way of emphasizing or magnifying a name or an idea. He is putting an exclamation point on the word “peace.” He is expressing the completeness, fullness, and depth of the peace that he is describing. “Perfect” is as good a word for that as we have.
Paul calls this the “peace that passes all understanding.” That is the same idea. Maybe Paul had this text in mind when he wrote those words. This is a deep, soul-filling peace. It cannot be explained as the consequence or fruit of favorable circumstances. It is not the result of the absence of conflict, a life without woes, or a day when everything is coming up roses.
This “perfect peace” is a work of God. He keeps in perfect peace the person who puts all of their weight on Him and relies on Him.
In practical terms, the New Testament tells us to “cast all of our cares upon Him.” Paul says essentially the same thing in Philippians 4:6-7 –
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
So, inwardly we have a spirit of faith and trust. Then, that trust and reliance are expressed through prayer, casting our care upon Him, making our requests known, and being thankful. It is in and through that kind of reliance on Christ that the “peace, peace;” the “perfect peace;” the “peace that passes all understanding” fills our hearts and mind and we are kept in it by the working power of God.
