March 1, 2026 Devo

March 1st, 2026

Powerful Words from the Prophets
“LORD, you will grant us peace; all we have accomplished is really from you. O LORD our God, others have ruled us, but you alone are the one we worship.” – Isaiah 26:12-13 (NLT)
“Who Is Ruling YOUR Life?”

Isaiah has a moment of profound reflection in our passage today. For all that his people have been through, he recognizes that it is God alone who brings peace to their lives. It’s not where they live. It’s not how much they have. It’s not about who is sitting on the throne of their government. Peace comes from the Lord.
The NIV points out the contrast between Israel serving the “Lord” versus having many “lords.” They had lived under Egypt’s rule. They had lived under the rule of various kings. Now they would live under yet another foreign ruler. But they would never know peace except through the Lord. They had also chased after many other “gods.” Now, those gods weren’t real. They didn’t actually exist. Therefore, they had no real power. Yet, because the people around them worshipped them, they joined in as well. They built altars and shrines to them. They built statues and wooden images of them. They sacrificed to them and prayed to them. But peace eluded them because those false gods had no ability to give peace. Only God can.
As I was reflecting on this today, I was shaking my head. How could God’s people have been so stupid? Why would you chase after other gods when the One True God is right there in front of you? He had shown Himself time and time again.
Then I realized that I’ve been guilty of that same sin. Many times in my life, I’ve chased after other “gods,” hoping they could bring me peace. I’ve chased after the god of Achievement, believing that if I could score enough points, win enough trophies, or grow a big enough church, I would have peace. I chased after the god of Approval, believing that if I could just have the adoration and affirmation of certain people, I would have peace. But every “god” in this world just leads to loneliness and unfulfillment. Peace comes from the Lord alone.
Who is ruling YOUR life? Isn’t it time you put away the gods you’ve been chasing after? Whatever god it is, it’ll never be enough. You’ll never do enough, be enough, or have enough to satisfy the longing within you. The gods of this world will rule you if you let them. But they will never give you peace. Chase after the Lord. Peace comes only from Him. That’s God’s Word for you today.