To achieve the "perfect peace" spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, we must understand what it means to “stay one’s mind on God.” In Isaiah 26:3, "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you," the phrase "stayed on you" implies a steadfast, unwavering focus and trust in God. It is more than just occasional thoughts about God; it is a deliberate and continuous mental posture that centers on who God is — His character, His promises, His purposes, and His presence.

What It Means to Stay One’s Mind on God

To "stay" one's mind on God involves:

1. Constant Dependence on God: It means relying fully on God's wisdom, power, and goodness rather than our own understanding or strength. Proverbs 3:5-6 captures this idea: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding."

2. Intentional Reflection on God’s Word: This involves meditating on Scripture, allowing God’s truth to shape our thoughts and perspectives. Psalm 1:2 speaks of the blessed person whose "delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." Staying our minds on God means filling our minds with His Word, remembering His deeds, and reflecting on His attributes.

3. Pursuing God in Prayer: Prayer is an ongoing conversation with God, aligning our hearts and minds with His will. It helps to root us in God’s presence, as we bring our anxieties, needs, and praises before Him (Philippians 4:6-7).

4. Living Coram Deo: This involves recognizing that we are always before the face of God, living every moment in His presence and under His authority. It means consciously acknowledging that God is with us at all times and that all of life is lived before Him. Living coram Deo requires us to keep our thoughts fixed on God throughout our daily tasks, cultivating a continuous awareness of His nearness, His sovereignty, and His care over every aspect of our lives.

5. Fostering Trust in God’s Character: Trusting God is at the heart of staying our minds on Him. It is believing that God is faithful, good, and sovereign over all circumstances, even when our experiences seem contradictory. This trust is rooted in the knowledge of God’s character as revealed in Scripture and experienced through His providential care in our lives.

Why It Is Difficult in Our Current Environment

Living in our current world presents unique challenges to keeping our minds stayed on God:

1. Overwhelming Distractions: We live in an age of constant stimulation, where our attention is bombarded by media, technology, and endless notifications. This environment makes it hard to maintain a sustained focus on God. Our minds are easily diverted by the latest news, social media feeds, entertainment, and the demands of daily life.

2. Cultural Pressures: Society often promotes self-reliance, instant gratification, and material success. These cultural values can subtly draw our hearts and minds away from dependence on God and make it harder to rest in His promises. We are encouraged to trust in our abilities, plans, and the world's systems rather than in God’s providence.

3. Anxiety and Fear: With so much uncertainty in the world — whether due to political turmoil, economic instability, health crises, or personal struggles — anxiety and fear can easily overwhelm us. In such a state, our natural inclination is to focus on our problems and try to control outcomes, rather than resting in God's sovereignty.

4. Busyness and Noise: Many of us lead busy lives filled with work, family responsibilities, and social commitments. The noise of our schedules often drowns out our ability to hear God’s still, small voice. It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and neglect the need for quiet reflection and communion with God.

Advice to Limit Distractions and Stay One’s Mind on God

1. Establish Regular Times of Prayer and Bible Study: Set aside specific times each day for reading Scripture and praying. With God's help, let nothing else interupt your precious time of prayer. This could be in the morning, during lunch breaks, or before bed. Regular engagement with God's Word helps to keep His truths at the forefront of your mind. Memorizing Scripture can also provide a reservoir of truth to draw upon throughout the day.

2. Practice Solitude and Silence: Create spaces in your day for silence and solitude, where you can focus your heart and mind on God without distractions. Make a conscious effort to not look at your phone until 9:00 a,m. or later. Limit time on your phone the rest of the day, step away from your computer, frequently seeking a quiet place to sit in God’s presence, contemplating His goodness and seeking His face..

3. Limit Media Consumption: Consider reducing your exposure to news, social media, and entertainment that may distract you or stir up anxiety. Set boundaries for how much time you spend on these platforms, and use some of that time instead for reflection, prayer, or reading Christian literature.

4. Cultivate a Grateful Heart: Gratitude keeps our minds focused on God’s faithfulness and goodness. Make it a practice to thank God for His blessings throughout the day, no matter how small. Keeping a gratitude journal can help you remember His goodness and foster a heart of trust and contentment. Philippians 4:6-7 says "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." That is a promise from God. 

5. Seek Fellowship with Other Believers: Engage regularly in fellowship with other Christians who can encourage you and keep you accountable. Being part of a community helps keep your mind stayed on God through mutual support, teaching, and encouragement.

6. Turn Worry into Prayer: When anxiety arises, immediately turn your concerns into prayers. Instead of dwelling on your worries, present them to God, trusting that He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). This practice transforms anxiety into an opportunity for communion with God and reinforces your trust in Him.

7. Reflect on God’s Past Faithfulness: Take time to remember how God has been faithful to you in the past. Reflect on answered prayers, deliverances, and His sustaining grace. Recalling His past deeds helps build confidence in His present and future faithfulness, anchoring your mind more firmly in Him.

Conclusion

To stay one’s mind on God is to cultivate a continual, conscious awareness of His presence, His promises, and His character. It requires intentional effort to turn our thoughts toward Him, especially amidst the distractions and challenges of our current environment. Yet, as we practice these disciplines, we will experience the “perfect peace” that God promises to those who trust in Him. This peace is not an absence of trouble but a deep, abiding confidence in God’s unchanging nature, allowing us to rest secure, no matter what storms we face.