February 6, 2001
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. Isaiah 30:15
In the previous verses in chapter 30 God rebukes Israel for her rebellion in placing her trust in the King of Assyria to protect her and not her God! Israel reached a point where she begged not to have prophets and visionaries speak to them of God's heart... in her arrogance she said "stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel" (vs 11). God promises that this sin of rebellion, obstinacy, a refusal to listen or to trust in him is what will destroy the nation. God will bring about the judgement but its her sin that leads to this. In the above verse we again see God expressing his heart if they would only turn to him and trust. Simply let go of their self protective ways, trust God and their strength would be found and displayed to the nations around. All they had to do was stop trying to protect themselves and let God do it. I read this and I wonder why they couldn't let go and let God be in control, but I know I am so much like that myself.. despite the promises I read in God's Word and his faithfulness to me over the years I still mess up... I don't always trust, I don't always see God for who he is.
What amazes me about God's heart and character is that he never gives up on his people, no matter what. I have a relatively small ability to wear my heart on my sleeve... if that's even the best term. I think about how insecure, and how quickly I get there I get when I don't hear from someone in a day or so, when I have shared something with them or if something has happened.. anything that leaves me wondering where I stand with them, or what they think of me. I get insecure very quickly... and after a brief period of time if I can't resolve it; my heart will go into a self protective mode where I push people away because I can't stand the fear of being rejected.. not being sure that I am loved or cared for... and in my sinful or just human state I need constant assurances. Despite a lack of response from Israel and most times outright rejection and rebellion God is never insecure and always faithfully loves his people. He gives of himself, pours his heart our and wears it on his sleeve continually. Absolutely amazing!!
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! Isaiah 30:18