Researchers in Fujian, China, wanted to help intensive care unit (ICU) patients sleep more soundly. They measured the effects of sleep aids on test subjects in a simulated ICU environment, complete with bright, hospital-grade lighting and audio recordings of machines beeping and nurses talking. Their research showed that tools like sleep masks and ear plugs improved their subjects’ rest. But they acknowledged that for truly sick patients in a real ICU, peaceful sleep would still be hard to come by.
When our world is troubled, how can we find rest? The Bible’s clear: there’s peace for those who trust in God, regardless of their circumstances. The prophet Isaiah wrote about a future time when the ancient Israelites would be restored after hardship. They would live securely in their city, because they knew that God made it safe (Isaiah 26:1). They would trust that He was actively working in the world around them to bring good—“He humbles those who dwell on high,” raising up the oppressed, and bringing justice (vv. 5–6). They would know that “the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal,” and they could trust Him forever ( v. 4).
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,” wrote Isaiah, “because they trust in you” (v. 3). God can provide peace and rest for us today as well. We can rest in the assurance of His love and power, no matter what’s going on around us.
By Karen Pimpo
REFLECT & PRAY
What threatens to overwhelm you today? How can you remind yourself of God’s power and love?
Dear God, I trust You and choose to rest assured in Your love today.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Isaiah ministered to the Southern Kingdom of Judah during the reigns of King Ahaz (Isaiah 7–35) and his son Hezekiah (chs. 36–39), during which time Judah’s perennial enemies—Israel, Syria (Aram), Egypt, and Assyria, persistently attacked her (see 2 Chronicles 26–39). Ahaz was one of Judah’s worst kings, whereas Hezekiah was a godly king committed to reforming his kingdom. Isaiah challenged Ahaz and Hezekiah to look to God for deliverance. Ahaz refused to trust God ( Isaiah 7:10–17; see 2 Chronicles 28). But Hezekiah did (Isaiah 37:14–21; see 2 Chronicles 32:1–23). Isaiah 26 is a song of trust, promising and celebrating God’s victory, salvation, restoration, safety, and “perfect peace” ( v. 3; shalom, meaning peace, safety, prosperity, well-being, wholeness) for those who humble themselves and honour Him. God’s people can “trust in the Lord forever” because our God “the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal” (v. 4).
K. T. Sim
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