Isaiah 26:1

Isaiah 26:1 says, In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.  The first four verses of this chapter are a song of praise for the safety of the church in general and every member in particular.  Isaiah said that in that day, which Matthew Henry said is the gospel day, the day of enlarging the Old Testament church, that this song of victory and praise to God would be sung.  We as followers of Christ have assurance of an everlasting victory, and we should be singing praises to God. 

Verse two adds, Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.  Isaiah said instead of shutting themselves away, that the people of Judah should open the gates so all the righteous might come in.  God’s salvation was never intended to be limited to just a certain group of people but was and is to be available to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ.  As stated many times, this meant that those who lived before He came were to put their faith in the coming Messiah, and those who lived after He came were to put their faith in the fact that He is the Messiah, or Savior, Who came to redeem mankind.  We cannot sing praises to Him if we have not accepted Him as our personal Savior and Lord though. 

Verse three continues, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.  Those who believe in Jesus Christ should live in perfect peace because He has already assured them of the ultimate victory.  This is to be a perfect peace.   Matthew Henry says this an inward peace, an outward peace, peace with God, peace of conscience, and peace at all times under all events.  If we are a follower of Christ, we should have that same peace today. 

Verse four continues, Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:  Isaiah told the people to trust in the Lord forever because He has everlasting strength.  This is never going to change.  There should never come a time that we as Christians do not rejoice and trust in God.  He will never fail to be able to deliver on His promise of everlasting life with Him to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ.