Charging Ahead of God
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.”
The people of Israel were understandably frightened as the nation of Assyria threatened. Yet God has promised to protect them if they would rely on him. Nevertheless, Israel’s leaders decided to turn to Egypt as an ally, contrary to God’s will. They just couldn’t wait on the Lord or trust him. In response, the Lord rebuked Israel:
“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.”
If Israel would only turn away from their sin and turn to God, if Israel would only trust in him and rest in his promises, then the nation would be saved. But, as the Lord says, “you would have none of it.”
I can relate to Israel. Can you? Sometimes it is hard to trust in the Lord, to wait patiently. This is especially tough when it seems as if God is dawdling. My temptation is to charge ahead of him, to make things happen on my timetable. And, at times, I give in to this temptation.
Today I’m reminded that what was once true for Israel is still true for me today. I will be saved from the threats in my life only as I turn to God and rest in him. My strength comes, not from me, but from being quiet and trusting the Lord.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Have you found that it’s hard to wait upon the Lord? Do you ever charge ahead of God? What helps you to trust God and be patient?
PRAYER: Dear Lord, how I need to hear this word today, and each day. My salvation comes from you and you alone. You will deliver me as I turn to you. You will take care of me as I rest in you.
Help me, Lord, to quiet my heart enough to receive your peace. May I trust in you more fully today, so that I might receive your strength.
All praise be to you, gracious God, my Savior, my Deliverer, my Safety, my Strength! Amen.
Daily Reflections from The High Calling.org
This devotional comes from The High Calling of Our Daily Work (www.thehighcalling.org). You can read my Daily Reflections there, or sign up to have them sent to your email inbox each day. This website contains lots of encouragement for people who are trying to live out their faith in the workplace.
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