READ: Isaiah 26 (Focus vs. 1-5)
MEMORY VERSE
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3
BACKGROUND
My coworker made a quick call to discuss an issue. She asked how I was doing, and I admitted that I had a really painful sinus infection, and the medicine wasn’t working. My coworker simply asked, “May I pray for you?”
After I agreed, she offered a thirty-second prayer to God for my healing. I admitted, “Sometimes I forget to pray. I was so focused on the pain I didn’t turn to God.”
My confession made me think about where I place my focus—on my struggles and problems or on God. On this day, my thoughts centered on the pain because of its intensity.
But Isaiah 26:3 reminds us that when we keep our minds focused on God, our healer and sustainer, we can find peace: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
While the pain may not go away instantly, or perhaps ever in this life, the prophet reminds us to place our “trust in” the one who is faithful and able to provide what we need (v. 4).
This passage from Isaiah pointed the Israelites to God’s promises during and after their exile. They would sing songs of praise to Him again as they clung to their faith and hope in what He would provide (vv. 1-2).
And the prophet’s words also remind us that whatever pain we may endure, we too can find comfort as we focus on trusting in God and calling out to Him.
Katara Patton
INSIGHT
Isaiah 26 begins, “In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah” (v. 1). What does “that day” refer to?
By looking back at chapter 25, we find that Israel will be singing this song upon the ultimate arrival of her Messiah, declaring, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation” (v. 9).
The Messiah will then deal with those who oppressed Israel and brought her great suffering (pictured by Moab). This will be fulfilled when Jesus comes to earth the second time and establishes His kingdom.
As we await His return, we can also be comforted in the abiding presence of the one who promised, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
Bill Crowder
APPLICATION
Where are your thoughts focused? How can you turn your concerns into praise and prayers to God?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“…whatever pain we may endure, we too can find comfort as we focus on trusting in God and calling out to Him.
PR’s TAKE
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our Faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame…” Hebrews 12:2 Berean Study Bible
PRAYER
“Dear God, please remind me to keep my mind focused on You, regardless of what situations I face.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“STAYED ON YOU” Tye Tribbett
I’ve got my mind
I-I-I-I’ve got my mind
I’ve got my mind
I-I-I-I’ve got my mind
I’ve got my mind
I-I-I-I’ve got my mind
Stayed on You!
I’ve got my mind
Stayed on You!
This is the day the Lord has made
I will rejoice, and I’m gon’ be glad
Jesus, I love you so
You changed my life, and I will never let You go
But that old devil, he try and try to put me back
And make me fall by the wayside
Oh, no, my heart is fixed
And I—and I—and I
I-I-I’ve got my mind stayed on You
I’ve got my mind stayed on You
I-I-I’ve got my mind stayed on You
I’ve got my mind stayed on You
Okay, when trouble, it comes my way
I’m not gon’ fret
‘Cause I know night becomes day
All things work together for the good
So, I will trust and obey
‘Cause, even still, life could be worse
You been so good
I give You all my worship
The storms of life will always blow
But You give me perfect peace
I-I-I’ve got my mind stayed on You
I’ve got my mind stayed on You
I-I-I’ve got my mind stayed on You
I’ve got my mind stayed on You
I’ve got my mind stayed on You
I’ve got my mind stayed on You
I’ve got my mind stayed on You…
