Isaiah 26

“O LORD, you will ordain peace for us, for you have indeed done for us all our works” (v12). Isaiah prophesied that Israel would come to know that only God accomplishes salvation. Other leaders (v14) were lifeless “shades”; “they will not arise.” Trying to rescue ourselves or get life without the Lord is fruitless and exhausting: “We were pregnant, we writhed, but we have given birth to wind. We have accomplished no deliverance in the earth” (v18). In contrast, God “ordains peace” for us.

“Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise” (v19). We aren’t the source of life; God is. He calls us to give up our frantic efforts to fulfill our desires, and instead trust Him.