Rest and Rescue

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.”
But you were unwilling,

Isaiah 30:15 ESV

The context of this verse is so important.

The intended audience is Israel during one of their (many) rebellions against God. God offers a warning that they can only be saved by returning to him. With this in mind, let’s look at the lesson here and what it’s application today might look like.

We cannot hope to be saved without turning back to God.

Since our only hope of salvation is through a Savior this seems like the obvious application of this verse. ‘Turn from your wicked ways and repent.’

But the interesting part of this verse to me is the part about rest. Resting in the Lord—this is not a passive rest where we fall into apathy or sit around waiting for God to do something.

No, this is a quiet confidence in Him.

When we are truly confident in God’s ability to rescue us we find peace. Our strength comes in knowing that He’s in control and capable of pulling us out of our darkest places.

Yet, as the last line suggests, our pride often leads us to reject Him.

Are you letting your fears keep you from humble repentance? Are you letting your pride keep you from peace and rest in God?

Guest devotional by Noelle McLaughlin. Noelle is a 25 year old wife and mom originally from North Carolina, and currently residing in Buffalo, NY. She and her husband are helping to plant a church in Buffalo that launched in September, 2012. Learn hou you can write a devotion for us here.