Isaiah 26:3-4: Despite What You Tell Yourself
Isaiah 26:3-4: You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. [1]
Have you heard the expression: “I am my own worst enemy?” At times are you bothered by your own thoughts? If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, do you wrestle with assurance of salvation? If you can say, “yes” to any of these questions, you need these verses for yourself and/or your friend(s). Isaiah teaches that God’s faithfulness sustains and enables Christian faith. [2] Because the LORD is changeless (regardless of people) and faithful, [3] He generates, [4] guides, [5] and energizes faith. [6] By God-given and enduring faith Christians can wrestle with their doubts, the lies Satan and the world whisper in their ears, and live a thriving life for their Savior Jesus. [7] Regardless of what we tell ourselves.
Isaiah is also clear that the Trinity’s peace is exclusively for those who exclusively follow Christ. [8] If you desire help with the sorrow in your heart, work’s crushing weight, family woes, etc. you have that if you admit your guilt to the Triune God and strive to be His by His Holy Spirit. [9] These promises are true, attested, and good despite what you have heard and tell yourself. [10] Come to Him, and Jesus Christ will be your rock. [11]
This blog was written by Seth Dunn
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (Wheaton, IL: Standard Bible Society, 2016), Logos Bible Software 6. All Scripture references will be ESV from this point forward, unless noted otherwise.
[2] John Calvin. Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. Trans. William Pringle. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House Co., 1981), 213-215.
[3] Geerhardus Vos. Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments. (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2000), 119.
[4] Ephesians 1:3-2:1-10; see also The Westminster Standards: The Westminster Confession of Faith, the Larger Catechism, and the Shorter Catechism. (Philadelphia, PA: Great Commission Publications, 2011), Shorter Catechism Questions and Answers 29-35.
[5] John 14:15-17, 16:12-15; Romans 8:26; Galatians 5:13-25.
[6] Romans 15:13; James 2:14-26, see also Calvin, Commentary: Isaiah, 215.
[7] 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:17-32.
[8] The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version, Containing the Old and New Testaments. General Edition R.C. Sproul, Associate Editor Keith Mathison. (Lake Mary, FL: Ligonier Ministries, 2005), 985.
[9] The Westminster Standards: The Westminster Confession of Faith, the Larger Catechism, and the Shorter Catechism. (Philadelphia, PA: Great Commission Publications, 2011), Shorter Catechism Questions and Answers 86-87.
[10] 1 Corinthians 15:3-9; Hebrews 11:1-12:3; 1 John 3:19-20.
[11] Deuteronomy 32:4; Matthew 7:24-27; 1 Corinthians 10:1-22.