Quiet Contemplation - Day 54

Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”

            So many times the prophet Isaiah tried to warn the people of Israel of their need for repentance. It’s interesting to note that the word repentance was more than just dodging sin or avoiding it, it carried more of a meaning to fully turn around and return to God. And the term quietness used in this verse indicates an absence of panic or overwhelming fright. In short, Isaiah tells the people to stop panicking, fully turn from their sin and return to God.

            The next two verses, vs 16-17, chronicle the ways in which the people try to take matters into their own hands. Their efforts to solve the problem focus on running away, fleeing, hiding. It didn’t work, and it won’t work. Evil will follow you; it will chase you. Thankfully, Isaiah reminds the people that they have a solution!

Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

            This is still the same true message for us today. Just dodging or avoiding sin doesn’t always work, we need to turn away from it fully and completely and move toward God. Panicking and becoming overwhelmingly frightful doesn’t work either. The problem generally remains.

            The only successful option is trusting God. He will carry out justice upon wrong. He will prevail! Our job is to remain faithful to him in all circumstances.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us when we panic or try to take matters into our own hands. Teach us to trust in you, for you are our salvation and source of justice. Guide us in understanding that true repentance is totally and completely turning away from sin—anything that would draw our attention away from you. Find us faithful to you in all circumstances.

            In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!