Life is filled with wonderful and exciting moments, but also unexpected and difficult ones. When things are going well, life feels peaceful, but that peace can be fleeting and elusive when challenges arise. In John 16:30, Jesus says, “In this world, you will have trouble.” We all long to experience the joys of life—love, success, health, purpose, and belonging. Yet, when troubles hit—betrayal, lies, loss, sickness, crime, or loneliness—we often feel gut-punched, pulled in multiple directions at once.

So how do we handle these “good, bad, and ugly” times? How do we navigate the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, the pressures of stress, the need for understanding, and the weight of the past, present, and future colliding together? How do we stay mentally sane, emotionally stable, and physically strong? How do we find peace?

Isaiah 26:3-4 tells us: “You, O God, will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You. Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.”

The term “perfect peace” in Hebrew is translated as PEACE PEACE, repeated for emphasis. It refers to peace of mind, body, and soul—a continual rest, a joyful tranquility, and a fulfilled contentment. It means being mentally sound, emotionally strong, calmly productive, trustingly hopeful, and confidently safe. It’s about thriving peacefully, not merely surviving anxiously.

The Bible calls Jesus Christ the “Prince of Peace,” and in John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid, for I have overcome the world.” Jesus offers us a gift of peace—PEACE PEACE, an intrinsic part of who He is.

This means that when you’re hit by an unexpected situation, you won’t be destroyed. Even when the circumstances suggest you should be an emotional wreck—full of worry and fear, paralyzed by anxiety and despair—you are not. Something guards your heart and mind: it’s the perfect peace of Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

Who can receive this gift of PEACE PEACE? Isaiah 26:3 tells us: “All who trust in God, all whose thoughts are fixed on Him.” “All” includes everyone—nobody is excluded. God offers His peace to all who trust Him. To “trust” means to have secure, bold confidence and a hopeful expectation in Him. It doesn’t mean we know everything, or that we deny the reality of our struggles, or that we’re never weak, confused, or frustrated. It simply means we know where our help comes from.

Psalm 121:1 says, “I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Often, when we’re in the midst of troubling circumstances, our vision becomes obstructed. Lifting our eyes to Jesus and fixing our thoughts on Him allows us to see over and beyond the trouble. Isaiah 43:2 offers reassurance: “When you go through the deep waters, I [the Lord] will be with you. When you go through the rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you go through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned; the flames will not consume you.” Trusting Jesus brings hope.

2 Peter 1:2 tells us, “May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.” As our knowledge of God deepens, we receive more grace and peace. It’s like an ever-increasing gift. The “knowledge” referred to here isn’t merely intellectual—it’s relational. You don’t just know about God; you know God. Psalm 103:7 reminds us that “The people of Israel saw the works of God, but Moses knew the ways of God.” When we willingly focus our thoughts, motives, and actions on God as our only source of sustenance, stability, and renewal, we experience PEACE PEACE. We intentionally seek God, turning to Him during difficult times. As Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

So, do you know Jesus? You can! Romans 10:9-10 says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” You can know God personally and seek Him in times of trouble, and He promises to share with you His perfect peace that will strengthen you like never before. With Jesus, you can have PEACE PEACE.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me, and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me, and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”