January 21st, 2026
“In that day, everyone in the land of Judah will sing this song: Our city is strong! We are surrounded by the walls of God’s salvation. Open the gates to all who are righteous; allow the faithful to enter. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.” Isaiah 26:1-4 NLT
Here, in Isaiah’s song, we see the strength of the city is not found in stone or human effort, but in the walls God Himself has built. These walls are called salvation—protection that does not crumble, security that does not depend on circumstances. God’s salvation doesn’t merely rescue us in a moment of danger; it surrounds us, defines our boundaries, and creates a place where peace can dwell.
In this strong city, our safety is not something we construct—it is something we are surrounded by. The walls that hold us are God’s salvation, a fortress no human hands could ever raise. Yet we so often try. We stack our own stones—self-defense to keep from being hurt, self-promotion to feel secure, even self-deprecation to stay hidden. What we build to protect ourselves slowly becomes a prison. But what God builds around us is not confinement, but freedom and abundance.
What walls am I building for my own protection that may be keeping me from the peace God is offering to surround me with His salvation?
There is a promise in this passage that is worth lingering over:
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You.” Isaiah 26:3
The word peace here is shalom. Many of us may already be familiar with it, but it’s too rich not to revisit. God promises shalom to those who fix their thoughts on Him.
Shalom is far more than the absence of trouble. It speaks of:
• Completeness and wholeness
• Safety and soundness—body and soul
• Welfare, health, and well-being
• Quietness, tranquility, and contentment
• Peace in relationships, especially with God through covenant
• The ceasing of conflict and struggle
Shalom is a settled, whole, undivided life—one anchored in God. It is the quiet of the soul that comes not from perfect circumstances, but from a steadfast focus on Him.
In what areas of my life am I still restless or unsettled, even though God promises perfect peace to those who trust Him?
“Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.” Isaiah 26:4 NLT
Our walk with God is not a desperate pursuit of a distant, unreachable God. He is the One who sought us first! He’s the One who stretched across eternity, broke down the walls of our sin, and made Himself known to us. We can rest in Him, not because of what we do, but because of who He is. He is the covenant God—faithful to His promises, unshakable in His love.
He is eternal, without beginning or end, unchanging in character, impervious to time or circumstance. He is our Rock—unyielding, immovable, and secure. On Him, we can stand when everything else crumbles. On Him, we can anchor our souls when storms rage. On Him, we can find the shalom, the wholeness, the unfractured peace that our hearts long for.
The passage in Isaiah today points us to more than just protection—it points us to relationship. God seeks us. He draws near. He never turns away. His presence surrounds us, guards us, and grants us rest.
John 10:9 deepens this truth: Jesus says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” Jesus is the doorway through which we move from striving and fear into the fullness of life God intends. The same God who builds the walls of salvation and anchors us on the Rock opens the door to abundant life. Shalom is not just the absence of struggle; it is entering into the life, freedom, and wholeness He provides through Christ.
We encourage you to take some time today to read John 10:1-10. Let this passage remind you of the incredible protection, guidance, and peace we have in Jesus, our Good Shepherd. He knows each of His sheep, and He is actively watching over us, leading us into safety, provision, and abundant life.
This text also speaks powerfully about knowing His voice. Jesus doesn’t just call us; He wants us to listen, to recognize the tone, the direction, and the guidance He gives. In the midst of life’s noise—He is speaking. He is calling us into rest, into security, into the fullness of life He designed for us.
Today, we encourage you to pray and reflect on your openness to hear His voice. Ask God to sharpen your spiritual ears, help you recognize when He is speaking, and trust His voice above all others. We want to follow Him into the open pastures!
We are praying continually for you. We are believing for testimonies of breakthrough and clarity and peace. The church is open daily from 7am to 7pm—come, pray, take communion, or go to the cross. Join us at 6pm, we’ll gather together to pray and experience the power of coming before God as a community. Set this time apart, and He will meet you there.
Songs to listen to today: Shepherd, Mighty Name of Jesus
We also have a playlist to share if you’d like to listen this week.
We love you!
Pastors Josh + Tori
Here, in Isaiah’s song, we see the strength of the city is not found in stone or human effort, but in the walls God Himself has built. These walls are called salvation—protection that does not crumble, security that does not depend on circumstances. God’s salvation doesn’t merely rescue us in a moment of danger; it surrounds us, defines our boundaries, and creates a place where peace can dwell.
In this strong city, our safety is not something we construct—it is something we are surrounded by. The walls that hold us are God’s salvation, a fortress no human hands could ever raise. Yet we so often try. We stack our own stones—self-defense to keep from being hurt, self-promotion to feel secure, even self-deprecation to stay hidden. What we build to protect ourselves slowly becomes a prison. But what God builds around us is not confinement, but freedom and abundance.
What walls am I building for my own protection that may be keeping me from the peace God is offering to surround me with His salvation?
There is a promise in this passage that is worth lingering over:
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You.” Isaiah 26:3
The word peace here is shalom. Many of us may already be familiar with it, but it’s too rich not to revisit. God promises shalom to those who fix their thoughts on Him.
Shalom is far more than the absence of trouble. It speaks of:
• Completeness and wholeness
• Safety and soundness—body and soul
• Welfare, health, and well-being
• Quietness, tranquility, and contentment
• Peace in relationships, especially with God through covenant
• The ceasing of conflict and struggle
Shalom is a settled, whole, undivided life—one anchored in God. It is the quiet of the soul that comes not from perfect circumstances, but from a steadfast focus on Him.
In what areas of my life am I still restless or unsettled, even though God promises perfect peace to those who trust Him?
“Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.” Isaiah 26:4 NLT
Our walk with God is not a desperate pursuit of a distant, unreachable God. He is the One who sought us first! He’s the One who stretched across eternity, broke down the walls of our sin, and made Himself known to us. We can rest in Him, not because of what we do, but because of who He is. He is the covenant God—faithful to His promises, unshakable in His love.
He is eternal, without beginning or end, unchanging in character, impervious to time or circumstance. He is our Rock—unyielding, immovable, and secure. On Him, we can stand when everything else crumbles. On Him, we can anchor our souls when storms rage. On Him, we can find the shalom, the wholeness, the unfractured peace that our hearts long for.
The passage in Isaiah today points us to more than just protection—it points us to relationship. God seeks us. He draws near. He never turns away. His presence surrounds us, guards us, and grants us rest.
John 10:9 deepens this truth: Jesus says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” Jesus is the doorway through which we move from striving and fear into the fullness of life God intends. The same God who builds the walls of salvation and anchors us on the Rock opens the door to abundant life. Shalom is not just the absence of struggle; it is entering into the life, freedom, and wholeness He provides through Christ.
We encourage you to take some time today to read John 10:1-10. Let this passage remind you of the incredible protection, guidance, and peace we have in Jesus, our Good Shepherd. He knows each of His sheep, and He is actively watching over us, leading us into safety, provision, and abundant life.
This text also speaks powerfully about knowing His voice. Jesus doesn’t just call us; He wants us to listen, to recognize the tone, the direction, and the guidance He gives. In the midst of life’s noise—He is speaking. He is calling us into rest, into security, into the fullness of life He designed for us.
Today, we encourage you to pray and reflect on your openness to hear His voice. Ask God to sharpen your spiritual ears, help you recognize when He is speaking, and trust His voice above all others. We want to follow Him into the open pastures!
We are praying continually for you. We are believing for testimonies of breakthrough and clarity and peace. The church is open daily from 7am to 7pm—come, pray, take communion, or go to the cross. Join us at 6pm, we’ll gather together to pray and experience the power of coming before God as a community. Set this time apart, and He will meet you there.
Songs to listen to today: Shepherd, Mighty Name of Jesus
We also have a playlist to share if you’d like to listen this week.
We love you!
Pastors Josh + Tori
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