Isaiah 26
"In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong/fortified/well-founded (עֹז) city [Zion]. He [Yahweh] sets up salvation (יְשׁוּעָה) as walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation [the remnant of Israel] that keeps faith (אֵמוּן) may enter in. You keep him in perfect peace (שָׁל֣וֹם שָׁל֑וֹם) whose mind (יֵ֫צֶר) is stayed on you, because he trusts (בָּטוּחַ) in you. Trust (בטח) in Yahweh forever, for Lord Yahweh is an everlasting rock. ...The path of the righteous is level/smooth (מֵישָׁרִים). You make level/smooth (יָשָׁר) the way of the righteous. In the path of your judgments, Yahweh, we wait for you. Your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul. My soul (נֶ֫פֶשׁ) yearns for you in the night. My spirit (רוּחַ) within me earnestly seeks you." - Isaiah 26:1-9
The prophet Isaiah composed this song around 700 bc. It will be sung in Judah in the days to come. The song emphasises trusting in Yahweh and waiting for him. The reason we should trust in Yahweh is because he is an everlasting rock, and he levels the way of the righteous. The result of trusting in Yahweh is perfect peace. Isaiah's song sounds a lot like what Paul says in his letter to the Philippians:
"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 Messiah Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7
Father, I confess I am anxious, fearful, and worried. I don't know what to do. Should I make a stand or just keep quiet? Should I get the vaccine or not? What information is reliable and trustworthy? I don't know anymore. So help me to apply these verses above. As believers, we have a strong city. Open the gates of that city so that we who believe in Jesus may go in. May our minds be concentrated on you. Keep us in perfect peace...shalom, shalom. You are an everlasting rock, so may we trust in you. Make the path of your people level and smooth. Help us to walk in your path as we wait for you. May our souls yearn for you in the night. May our spirits earnestly seek you.
Help us to fulfil our responsibilities as Christians today, Father. May we be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Send workers into your harvest field. May we diligently spread the gospel message. May we live well-balanced, faithful lives as we wait for Jesus to come and make all things right. In his name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman