Thursday, August 11 – Isaiah 30:15

For this is what 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.

Have you ever played a word association game? To play the game you simply say a word and a friend responds with the word that goes with it like “birthday” and “party” or “rain” and “check.” When we think about words we associate with strength, quietness and trust are probably not first on our list. Many don’t think of the way of salvation as repentance and rest. When God spoke to His people, He reminded them that His definition of salvation and healing was different and more complete than their own. God laid out before the people His promise that was timeless and true, but they were not willing.

Is there something you are holding on to, unwilling to give it over to the Lord? Is there a need for rest in your life that you have been avoiding in order to get your endless to-do list done? God’s promises are unchanging and relevant for you today. Quiet your soul and trust God with the next step He is calling you toward. In Psalm 103:1-5 David said, “Bless the Lord, my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, And do not forget any of His benefits; Who pardons all your guilt, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with favor and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” David used this moment to praise God for who He is. These praises remind us of the things that are still true about God today. If you are afraid of repenting because you fear God’s judgment, remember He is a God of forgiveness. If you are nervous about saying no to someone else because you don’t want to disappoint Him, remember it is in Him that you are saved and crowned with favor, not by your ability. By His grace, we can run to rest and repentance freely.

• What would it look like for you to come to God with a willing heart, believing His truth in this passage today?
• How can you remind yourself of who God is so that you can regularly run to Him for repentance and rest?
• Pray and ask God to create in you a willing heart to take Him at His word and repent and rest in Him.