“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
The papers fell off the kitchen table and onto the floor. My children were running and playing as they usually do, unaware of anything besides the fun they were having. But in that moment, as they accidentally knocked to the floor whatever little work I had accomplished, defeat overtook me.
I’d been trying to get sensible words on those pages for hours. Maybe the papers’ descent was my sign to let it all go and try again later.
Wondering what to do next, I watched my children play. They were in the moment, having the best time, laughing, chasing, and simply enjoying one another. They couldn’t care less that the toy box had fallen over, the Play-Doh was stuck to the floor, and the caps were off half of the markers.
But there I sat, feeling stuck. The laundry, fresh out of the dryer, was waiting to be folded. The pile of dishes in the sink needed washing. And those fallen pages still needed words on them.
How could my children block out everything and maintain so much joy in the middle of what felt like mayhem to me?
From my chair, I began to breathe deeply, whispering my need for God along with heartfelt thanksgiving for His presence in the midst of it all. My tension began to shift. As only God can do when we slow down, surrender control, and embrace stillness, He revealed my lesson:
The children were focused on having fun, and wherever I decided to place my attention would determine my experience as well.
I needed to adjust and focus solely on God, trusting that He had everything under control. Only then would I begin to enjoy the truth of Isaiah 26:3: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Shifting my attention enabled me to partake of His peace, joy, and hope even in chaos.
No matter what’s going on in the world or your life, you can also focus your heart and mind on God. When you choose Him above all else, you can experience His perfect peace in every situation.
How much time had I wasted feeling defeated? By allowing discouragement to take over, I opened the door for other toxic thoughts and emotions to distract me from the blessings right in front of me. God was there with me all along, patiently waiting for me to choose Him.
He’s always the best option and is delighted when we seek His face. However many people, piles, and projects need our attention today, you and I can rest simply in keeping our minds on God.
Dear God, as my children play, piles of laundry and dishes await my attention, and deadlines loom, help me keep my mind stayed on You. Perfect peace is found in Your presence, and that’s where I long to be. Continue to guide me in Your Truth, no matter what’s going on around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Tracie Braylock is a holistic nurse educator, wife, mother of four, and author of Radical Relaxation. Find out more about Tracie and connect with her on her website!
2 Thessalonians 3:16, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances]. The Lord be with you all” (AMP).
Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (NIV).
When do you struggle to find peace in the midst of chaos? How has God helped you reclaim lost time after you’ve decided to trust and focus on Him?
Join the conversation! We’d love to hear your thoughts on how God helps you find peace amid your personal chaos.
© 2026 by Tracie Braylock. All rights reserved.
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