What’s On your Mind Part 2 (Isaiah 26:1-12)
The last message in this series dealt with this topic from a universal standpoint. I attempted to get us to look at how the mind can be used in a positive way and also lifted up the benefits that we have privy to if we allow God to aid us in using our minds.
Today’s message is a continuation of the previous message. Here we have a song of praise being lifted up in Isaiah 26. The writer is speaking futuristic and appears to be in dialogue with the God of creation. As the writer paints the picture for readers of this passage, several images immediately catch our attention.
First, he speaks of the people singing a song. Then the writer makes reference to the fact that they live in a strong city where God has given them their comforts. Out of all the verses read, the verses that really caught my attention were verse 3 and 12 of Isaiah 26. The reason these verses were singled out is that they help us to stay focused even in the midst of uncertain times. In verse 3 of Isaiah 26, the writer states, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
And, verse 12 extends this confidence of the writer which states, “Lord you establish peace
for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.”
Both of these verses can serve as a confidence booster for any Christian. As I stated earlier while they were other verses read, the ones highlighted stood out for me. That does not mean that the other verses were insignificant. By no means am I implying
that. All that God has inspired for God’s people through the written word is sufficient for
us but there are occasions when a particular theme or topic is needed. And, as we continue our focus on the question of ‘What on your mind?’ I think we can benefit from this passage of scripture in its entirety and in particular the two verses that I highlighted.
One only has to put one’s self in the shoes of the writer. Here is someone clearly encouraged and confident about a relationship with God and God’s relationship with God’s people. From the scripture, one could conclude that the strong city referenced may
not have always been in place. This writer may have encountered some hardships along with the other inhabitants in the area and has first hand experience of what God is capable f doing. This group of persons dwelling in this territory blessed by God had to exhibit faith because it is pointed out in verse 2. That’s why verse 3 is so important.
From the earlier experiences of the people, the writer helps us to see that God is able to keep a
people in perfect peace, when their minds are steadfast and committed to God.
The writer did not say that they had an easy life. It is not implied that the habitants
were never in harms way of danger. But, we do get a picture that they were delivered from whatever circumstance that they encountered because of their faith and trust in God.
How many of us have had to deal with what appeared to be a lost cause and then we took ourselves out of God’s way and God showed us that God is
ultimately in control and has power to do anything for us that we need done?
Throughout this passage, reference is given to God’s ability to respond and act on behalf of humanity as God chooses. The writer does not leave anyone out. No, all are covered in this passage. This includes those who are God fearing as well as those who
choose not to reverence God. No one is excluded!
According to the writer, even if one appears to be on top, God has the ability to bring that individual or nation down to the level where God wants that individual or nation to be at.
If you would notice in this passage, there is a qualifier for God’s provisions in the lives of God’s people. That qualifier is located in verse 8 of Isaiah 26. Isaiah 26:8 states, “Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your law, we wait for you.” That’s a key for all of
God’s children. Do we consistently seek to walk in the way of God’s law? Are we relying on those promises that God has left for each of us through the written word?
If not, that may be some of our problems. We may not in perfect peace because we have not elected to follow God’s word in a disciplined manner. Have we been faithful to God’s word and have tried to do what is being asked of believers? If not, as long as we
still have an opportunity to get up and call on the name of the Lord, there is still time and there is still hope.
This writer places great emphasis on being in alignment with God in every facet of life. As you read verse 9, can it also be said of you that you in like manner long to be in relationship with God and are willing to do whatever is necessary to complete the tasks that God has assigned for each of us?
As we move down the passage, there is even further instruction regarding God’s ability to aid humanity through circumstances that occur. We can all learn from others and from situations and circumstances that we encounter daily.
If we revere God and want to be all that God has created us to become, it is incumbent upon us to keep our minds on God. The only way we can do that is take the advice that’s given in Romans 12:2 which exhorts us to, ‘Not to conform any longer to
the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds.’ According to the writer, ‘then we will be able to test and discern what God’s will is for our lives and for God’s people in general.
Do you have perfect peace today? If not, you can. Are you confident of your relationship with your God? If not, there is still hope. What’s on your mind this day? Have you saturated it with thoughts of a God whose able to deliver even the chiefest of sinners from sin? Are you in search of peace today, there is a God who specializes in granting peace?
Thank God for yet another opportunity to focus our minds and thoughts on a Savior that’s more than willing and gracious enough to forgive us and save us from our sins. We are in a good place right now. If the type of peace the writer referenced has
eluded us in times past, it doesn’t have to be that way indefinite.
We have an opportunity just by linking up with the God of salvation to be in perfect peace regardless of our circumstances. We can only get that if we are in constant communication with God and are focused on who God would have us to become.
I’m confident today that God will keep each of us in perfect peace, if we keep our minds focused on God. Let’s make the devil out of a liar and receive the blessings that God has indeed left for us through the life and teaching of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ and through the instructions that were given by the inspired writers of the scriptures.
