Isaiah 26:1,3

Isaiah 26 is a ‘must read’! I could sit here all day and read it through again and again. It is triumphant, glorious and sure. It is titled in my version ‘A Song of Salvation’. And that it truly is. The first verse sets the scene:

‘In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:

We have a strong city;
God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks.’ (Isaiah 26:1)

This refers to the last days when we will dwell in the New Jerusalem. Indeed that will be a strong city, for God Himself will defend it with righteousness. However, we can glean some application to ourselves in the present day. We are ‘seated in heavenly places’ right now. As Christians, our home is above (as Alan has been/will be speaking about!), and while we are yet physically down here, the surety of our salvation means that we are really in heaven already! And how sure that is! For it is like being in a ‘strong city’. God has appointed salvation for walls and bulwarks. We have entered through the wall of salvation, and none may assail that wall! For what power, even Satan himself, can undo God’s salvation? What plan can foil it? We dwell safe within the walls of God’s city and none can attack us from there.

‘You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.’ (Isaiah 26:3)

The result of that first verse is displayed all too simply in this verse. If we live in the city of salvation, then there is no need to fear! But often, we do fear, and doubt and have troubled minds. Why? Because our minds are not ‘stayed on Him’. If we completely trust in God, and our mind is always focused on Him, then He will keep us in perfect peace. Of course, that is an ideal to which we cannot attain (hence the commonality of inner turmoil), but we should think upon it. Next time you have trouble within yourself – doubts, fears, worries, anxieties, problems, stress etc. Remember that God will keep you in perfect peace if your mind is stayed on Him. So it might pay to start focusing on Him. Trusting Him. That is a challenge as well as an encouragement.