“As I come to Scripture today, Lord God, open my eyes to see you, to find new reasons to trust you, and to give you praise. Bring yourself glory through me as I live for you. You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal."

Isaiah 26:3-4

The first house we ever bought was a terrace house in West Philadelphia. It had been abandoned for a time and needed a lot of work. The neighborhood was run down and crime was an ever-present reality. The church we attended was falling apart too, with a dwindling congregation, but we loved worshipping there because listening to God’s Word and singing about the great truths of faith each week became our refuge. That’s like what’s happening in this chapter. Isaiah is keenly aware that the people of the Earth, including God’s people, are holding on during a difficult situation. He knows they’ve sinned and are enduring the consequences of their actions (vv. 20, 21). And yet, he sings.

The great truth that emerges from this chapter is that God can transform the worst-case scenarios in our lives into a best-case opportunity for deepening our relationship with him. Wholehearted worship during the time of trial is often the vehicle God uses to accomplish this. As Isaiah continues singing, he is moved to consider the ultimate worst-case scenario, death (v. 19). By faith, he envisioned a resurrection in the Lord. Today we can celebrate the empty tomb and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. That’s why we sing.

APPLY

Have you ever been so overwhelmed you could ‘barely whisper a prayer’ (v. 16)? Remember and thank God for times when he helped you in your distress.

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, keep me ready to have your perspective in my life so that I might rise above my day to day challenges and worries. Help me to trust in the ways you have chosen and that your good intentions are far beyond what I can imagine.

(edited from the book Encounter with God)