“Lord, you will grant us peace; all we have accomplished is really from you.“
The book of Isaiah is found in the Old Testament; its purpose is to warn of the dangers of how the people of Judah were living their lives and to encourage them with words of hope and comfort in regards to the Messiah’s coming. My Bible, a Life Application Study Bible (NLT), describes the book as being for both a sort of “scolding” (for the people’s own well being) and and a source of reassurance. It “unveils the full dimensions of God’s judgment and salvation” (source).
Within the Bible, this book is grouped together in the Old Testament during a time when prophets (often disliked for understandable reasons) were quite active. Prophets were there to act as a communicator between God and His people, who oftentimes didn’t listen because they didn’t like what they were hearing. Isaiah was one of the “major” prophets, and he spoke more about the Messiah than anyone else within the Old Testament.
Isaiah 26 is a chapter that discusses the greatness and mightiness of God’s power; it comes after a chapter that talks about how God always keeps His promises and finishes everything He starts; in this way, we know we can always turn to Him in time of need or despair. Chapter 26 itself refers to when God “establishes His kingdom” and Christ has dominion over Earth and all its evil. It is a praise to God for His promise to protect, rescue, and return justice and balance to His people.
Verse 12 points out that we should praise God for granting us peace: He saves us from eternal damnation; He protects and guides us; He keeps His promises and never leaves plans unfinished. God is so, so very much unlike humans who are untrustworthy, dishonest, lazy, envious, greedy, disrespectful, cheating idolators. We often fail to complete plans, can’t keep promises, make mistakes and poor decisions. Being human is hard, but trusting and loving God–the One who is love, who is only pure–is so easy.
God makes being human easier than it otherwise could be, even through hard times and setbacks. Trust Him, seek Him, and follow Him. It is the best decision any of us can ever make.
Batgirl012 