Return and Rest
Chaos and uncertainty currently surround our world. We have a virus that is causing fear for some. Many are facing loss of jobs, giving uncertainty of how to provide for their family. Offenses seem to be multiplying in a rapid fashion. Violence is erupting all around.
We have a desire for security and certainty and so often seek it out in ways outside of God.
Isaiah 30 was written at a time when the Assyrian army attacked and conquered Israel and took them in to exile. The Assyrians then came against the smaller tribe of Judah. Judah, in response to the attack turned to Egypt for help.
Egypt – the place and people God had delivered them from many years before. Egypt – the place of slavery and oppression for them. When they were filled with fear, uncertainty and things looked too big for them to handle, they didn’t turn to the God that had rescued them before, but instead turned to what had held them in bondage before.
My Christian Friend, how are you responding to all that is going on around you and in your own life? Who or what are you looking to for answers, for help, for security?
Christ has already rescued us from the bondage of this world, the bondage that fear brings, the bondage of looking to the things of this earth for security. So why would we now turn back to those things? Why do we try to figure things out for ourselves, looking for our own way of getting security, of saving ourselves from all the chaos around us?
Isaiah 30:15 NLT says “This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.””
This verse tells us the two things we must do to be saved:
- Return to God – return from trying to obtain help from earthly sources
- Rest in God – an entire submission of our souls to God
Even though He has saved us before and provided for us before, we live as though we think we are wiser than God. We think we can figure things out, fight the battles, live through the uncertainty and chaos without God’s help. We live in forgetfulness that God is the defender of His people and our strength comes from trusting in Him. We must be still, hold our peace.
Exodus 14:14 “The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
Our strength, safety, success, happiness (joy) is the fruit of self-control and of reliance on God.
As you walk through the chaos and uncertainty of these times, keep your eyes on God. He is the only help that truly saves. Seek Him with every part of you. He will fight for you. Rest in Him.
#EverythingUnderTheSon
Rachel Guest
