Today's reading: Isaiah 29, 30, 31; James 1
S) "15 For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said,
'In repentance and rest you will be saved,
In quietness and trust is your strength.'
But you were not willing," Isaiah 30:15 (NASB)
O) The first part of God's comment here makes sense, "In repentance... you will be saved," but that middle part (omitted in my quote with the elipses) really stood out to me. In the verses following God furthers His point. Rest. God is commanding rest in this case. And not just the kind of rest you need after a long week at work. Not the kind of rest you might enjoy on a Sunday after church. God calls His people to rest during tumultuous times! He tells them in the verses following, that because they fled, they would be chased, and because they went fast, their pursuers would follow faster. God wanted them to repent, rest where they were and not flee, and to take strength in quietness and trust in Him.
A) I'm not an anxious person. I don't often get restless or feel the need to be doing something. Even when I'm bored, I don't often feel a deep desire to be productive. I'm pretty easy going that way. Unless there is a crisis. If my wife is upset or hurt in some way, I get extremely perturbed. When we have a financial issue come up, I can't concentrate or focus on anything else because I'm so distracted. Sometimes, these sort of trials that come up don't even prompt me toward solving the issue, I just want to go away, play a videogame, watch a movie, go out to dinner, escape. Not only do I need to remember to remain repentant and trust in God, but I need to quiet myself and choose rest. This isn't easy, but it starts in the study of the Word and worship and prayer. If I'm founded in these three, I will find my quiet rest in the midst of my conflict.
P) Father, help me to rely soley on You more and more. Help me to seek You diligently and be completely submitted to Your will. In times of trials or struggles, Holy Spirit, draw me in to find rest and quiet. Help me to discern when You command me to wait. Give me an obedient heart to trust in Your command and to do as You will. Thank you for your refuge and salvation. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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