Isaiah 28:14-22

"therefore thus says the Lord GOD, 'Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion,
a stone, a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation:
"Whoever believes will not be in haste."
And I will make justice the line,
and righteousness the plumb line;
and hail will sweep away the refuge of lies,
and waters will overwhelm the shelter.'"—Isaiah 28:16-17 (ESV).

When the LORD speaks, it would behoove a person to pay close attention. I cannot help be feel an overwhelming joy and peace when I read these verses. Life is full of projects and deadlines and meetings. Life is full of busyness. And overtime they begin to wear a person down. They wear me down anyway. It is all too easy for me to get caught up in doing things that I forget to spend time with my Creator. And eventually I forget that he is in control of everything. And then I read the news and wonder where the good is.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the song titled, “I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day.” One of the verses says: “And in despair I hung my head. ‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said. ‘For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men.’”

But the next verse says: “Then pealed the bells more loud and deep! God is not dead nor doth he sleep. The wrong shall fail the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men.”

How reassuring it is to know that the one whom I put my trust in, whom I given my life to, has laid strong foundation, a tested (and proven) stone that will last for eternity. When I stop and think on these verses and what they say about God, all things simply fade away and the only thing left standing is Jesus Christ.

My confidence is in him and him alone.

Isaiah 28:7-13

Proverbs 1:5 says “let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance” (ESV).

As I read these verses, it is my prayer that we never become people who pick and choose what parts of Scripture we wish to obey. A life lived like that will only end in death. We must listen to, heed, and obey all of God’s commandments.

Isaiah 28:1-6

“In that day the LORD of hosts will be… strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate” (verse 6, ESV).

As Christians we often find ourselves in a battle, and war (Rev 12:17). To forget that we are in a war is dangerous. We are constantly fighting, it seems, for what is right and true and pure and holy. Sometimes the battle becomes intense and fierce and other times the enemy drags it out for a long time, wearing us down, depleting of our strength. It can feel at times, that we are fighting the battle alone. At such times it seems easier to give up.

Temptations come are way and the more tired we are, the harder it is to stand and resist the devil, the harder it is to remember to run toward God. We feel alone, surrounded by Satan and his army.

But let me assure you, you are not alone. God is right there beside you, fighting with you. You may not see him and every sign may indicate he is not there, but when you do see him, you will be unable to prove he wasn’t there.

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard you heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (NIV). Guard from and against the enemy. Do not let him steal or corrupt it.

Attacks will come, though. But take heart, for God will freely give his strength “to those who turn back the battle at the gate.”