July 22, 2021 -- Isaiah 30:15 -- Rest and peace

For thus said the LORD GOD, the Holy One of Israel,
   “In returning and rest you shall be saved;
    in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
Isaiah 30:15 English Standard Version

Notice the name God reveals to His people. He is the LORD GOD—the second part of His Name is capitalized as well. It is LORD—the God Who Was, Is and Is to Come—and GOD—the Sovereign. That is, the Only One Who is Supreme, the Highest in power. He is the Holy One—by that title His own people had said “let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 30:11). Those who scoff at Him, He has declared are like a bulging wall about to collapse or a clay pot smashed to smithereens. Turning towards those longing to hear from Him, the LORD declares His great and glorious welcome. Inviting even those who had jeered Him, He speaks.

Ah, how lovely are His words. In times when we are all Covid-weary. In days when the we feel like if we hear one more word about one more variant we will burst! Suddenly, our Father, the Source of every good gift, promises in returning to Him and resting in Him you shall be saved. This word “returning” means retirement from war. It is coming home and not fighting useless battles against the very God Who seeks to bless and build His people up. Rest is one word used two ways. In the word “rest” it means rest from external conflicts and quietness is rest which is withdrawing from all the storms and conflicts which rage within our own head and heart. The focus self-consciously shifts from our world and our ourselves to God Who is strong and great.

Where do you place your trust? Is your trust in yourself? Is it in your government? Is it in your family? Is it in your resources and retirement savings? The LORD GOD is the best and sole Person in Whom we can trust. In sickness in health, in war or in peace, in riches or poverty, in youth and old age He is the sure foundation for our times (Isaiah 33:6).

O LORD, You are exalted, You live up in the highest heavens;
   Yet You fill Zion, that is the place where Your people live,
   with justice and righteousness,
You are the stability for our troubled times.
You bring to Your people the abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge,
   and the key to this treasure is reverent fear and obedience to Jesus Christ.
Spirit of God, bring us to the place of repentance and rest,
   quiet and whole-hearted trust.
Amen
(The prayer is based on Isaiah 33:5-6 and Isaiah 30:15)

https://youtu.be/0actASvQUCg