Isaiah 26 - 3.10.23

Scripture

Isaiah 26:12b

…all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

Observation – What does it say?

Following God’s coming judgement against the nations, Isaiah prophesies of a song that God’s people will sing. It’s a song of praise and thanksgiving, acknowledging that God deserves credit for any good accomplishment.

Understanding – What does it mean?

All that we have accomplished, God has done for us.

We may give God credit for things obviously outside our control, like a beautiful sunset or a miraculous answer to prayer for healing or provision. But the point here is that God deserves credit even for the things “we have accomplished.” How?

Philippians 2:13

for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

I love how the New Living Translation puts that verse: “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

If it wasn’t for God, we wouldn’t have anything, not even the breath in our lungs. He formed us in our mother’s womb, so any gifting or talent we possess is because he put it there. Any desire to do something good with that gifting or talent originates with him. And, any power to act on that desire and carry it out comes from him!

That means even if I give to the poor or I pray for an hour, I can’t pat myself on the back and take credit because God was the one who gave me both the desire and the power to do it!

We read Psalm 21 today as well, where King David recognized this and praised God for being the source of every victory and blessing he had experienced. He started with this opening line and then went on to list all the good things God had done:

Psalm 21:1

The king rejoices in your strength, Lord.
    How great is his joy in the victories you give!

Life Application

Give God credit and praise him for every blessing.

God, every good and perfect gift is from you (James 1). I recognize that any compliment I’ve received, anything good I’ve accomplished, anything I’ve taken pride in, is only because of your work in and through me. I humble myself before you, casting my crowns/compliments/achievements at your feet. The credit and praise and glory for every one of those things belongs to you! Please keep me and each of us from pride. We are your masterpieces. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are gifted and anointed and destined for greatness. BUT, may we always recognize that you are the source of our greatness. And may we always give you praise for every accomplishment. Amen.

-Levi Thompson