Isaiah

Isaiah 26: God keeps those who trust Him

Begin in prayer

Before Judah sings of a strong city and steadfast trust, let us ask God for hearts that rest in Him. Pray that our family would seek the living Jesus when our strength cannot deliver us.

He will not be afraid of evil news. His heart is steadfast, trusting in Yahweh.

Psalm 112:7

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Teach us to trust You when our own efforts fail. Show us the risen Christ and the peace He gives to those who believe. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

A song in Judah celebrates the strong city whose defenses are God’s salvation. God keeps the steadfast mind in peace, brings the lofty city low and makes a level path for the righteous. His people long for Him and His judgments, while the wicked refuse to learn even when shown favor. They confess that He has done their work, ended other lords’ dominion and increased the nation. In trouble they pray, comparing their helpless efforts to labor that brings forth only wind. God promises that His dead will live, then calls His people indoors while He punishes the earth’s iniquity and exposes its bloodshed.

As you read Isaiah 26, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God gives peace to those who trust Him and promises life beyond their helplessness.

Judah will sing this song on that day, and the gates open for the righteous nation to enter (verses 1 and 2). The strong city’s safety comes from the salvation God appoints as its walls. The steadfast mind rests on Him as an everlasting Rock. Peace belongs to those who trust Him, even while the song describes trouble and waiting. The wicked receive favor and still refuse to see His majesty, so kindness must not be mistaken for approval of their sin. The former lords are dead and cannot resume their rule over God’s people. Against that helplessness comes the promise that the dead will rise and sing. The closing doors picture shelter during His anger, while hidden bloodshed comes into the open.

How does Isaiah 26 show us that God gives peace to those who trust Him and promises life beyond their helplessness?

God gives peace to those who trust Him.

The song puts salvation around the city as its defense. Its inhabitants depend on the LORD as an everlasting Rock. The lofty city falls beneath the feet of the poor. Adversaries who refuse His lifted hand will be consumed by fire.

God alone can accomplish His people’s deliverance.

They seek Him in the night and pray under His chastening. Their painful efforts have brought no rescue into the world. They confess that God has done the work for which they praise Him.

God promises life while exposing hidden evil.

Those who dwell in the dust are called to awake and sing. His people receive shelter while His anger passes. The earth will uncover the blood of those slain, and their killers will answer to Him.

Memorise

You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you.

Isaiah 26:3

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, where am I striving for safety without entrusting myself to the living Jesus?

Judah’s song confesses, “We have not worked any deliverance in the earth.” Human striving has reached its limit. Yet God promises, “Your dead shall live.” His people’s hope reaches beyond their strength and even beyond the grave.

Sin has brought guilt and death that we cannot remove. Jesus gave His life for His people, and God raised Him from the dead. The grave could not hold Him, and His rising is the first fruit of “Your dead shall live.” His sacrifice is enough to reconcile guilty people to God and secure their life with Him.

Turn from sin and trust the risen Jesus. He grants forgiveness to every believer. The peace He gives rests on His accomplished work. Those who belong to Him can wait through trouble with the sure hope of life in His kingdom.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God gives peace to all who trust Him, and that Jesus is the Lord to trust. Please explain verse 14, where the other lords will not rise, beside the promise of verse 19, “Your dead shall live.” Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that He is an everlasting Rock and gives His people hope beyond death, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Matthew 13:43

Lord, thank You that our helplessness does not limit Your saving power. Please turn us from sin to faith in the risen Jesus. Teach us to seek You when trouble keeps us awake and to wait upon Your Word. Let our family rest in Your faithfulness this week. Amen.