Thou Wilt Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Isaiah 26:3 Wall Art

Stillness on the water

An old wooden rowboat, empty and weathered, floats in the middle of a glassy lake. A thin line runs from its stern to a mooring stone, so it cannot drift. On the near shore, large rounded rocks, low bushes and a group of tall, narrow cypresses stand to the left, their shapes doubled in the water.

Across the lake, a wooded bank with a single small house leads the eye to a range of mountains whose peaks catch a peach-colored light, perhaps early morning, perhaps evening. The reflections are painted in loose horizontal strokes of blue, gray and sand. Above: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,” and Isaiah 26:3.

What does Isaiah 26:3 mean?

Isaiah 26 is a song, introduced as one that will be sung in the land of Judah “in that day,” when God has saved his people. It praises a strong city whose walls are salvation, open to a righteous nation that keeps faith. In the middle of it comes this promise, which reads in full: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Two details bring the verse to life. First, “perfect peace” translates a doubled Hebrew word, shalom shalom, peace upon peace, a way of saying the fullest peace possible. Second, “stayed” is an old English word for propped up or supported, like a wall held by a buttress. The mind that leans on God, rather than on its own strength, is the one kept at peace. The next verse draws the conclusion: trust in the Lord forever, because in him is everlasting strength.

The moored boat in the painting fits that image well. It is not held still by the absence of wind, but by what it is tied to.

In a room for rest, or for comfort

With its muted blues and wide open water, this print works in a bedroom, a bathroom or a quiet reading nook, anywhere meant for rest. It is often given as a sympathy or memorial gift, to someone going through grief, illness or anxiety, as a gentle reminder rather than an explanation. It also suits a lake house or a cabin, and a baptism by the water. A pale oak or white frame keeps the water looking open and light.