Lent, Day 26: RESTING

Scripture:   Isaiah 30:15-18 

Focus on the Word

    One more time Israel found itself in a most difficult place.  The people were in contempt of God's Word.  It seems they found it impossible to stay faithful to their God.  Consequently, their culture was falling apart.  Cultures without the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, seem to fall apart, don't they?  Saying they are of God means nothing.  Being of God means everything.

    God could have written the people off at this time, but He is not a God who writes people off.  He is the God who continually reaches out and seeks to draw people to Himself.  He never forces but He does woo and call and draw and lead and pursue.  However, whether or not we turn to Him is a decision He leaves with us.  The bible 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" (Isaiah 30:15, NLT).

    What a sad indictment.  All they had to do was return to their God and find rest in Him, but they "would have none of it."  As a result of their choosing they would fall into judgment, not for the purpose of judgment but for the purpose of waking them up to see the error of their ways, and then to choose to "return to their God and find rest in Him." 

At this point an amazing statement is made, "So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help" (Isaiah 30:18, NLT).  Isn't that incredible.  God is a waiting God.  He longs to show His love and compassion, but if it isn't wanted at the time, He will wait and wait and wait.

In Lent we wait before God who waits for us.  His love and compassion are one turn away; a turn we decide whether or not to make.  We are on the journey of Life with God.  May we find in Him the rest for which we long.

Today’s Prayer

My Father, you are never away from me … never forget me … never fail to surround me with your love.  Where can I go from your Spirit?  Nowhere—except in the doubts and spiritual blindness that make a cavern of my own mind.  Into those darknesses, bring the brightness of your presence now.  Be the light that blazes in every dark doubt within me!      (Augustine)