Why do we make it so complicated?

SCRIPTURE: For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel has said this, “In returning [to Me] and rest you shall be saved, In quietness and confident trust is your strength.” But you were not willing, And you said, “No! We will flee on horses!” Therefore you will flee [from your enemies]! And [you said], “We will ride on swift horses!” Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift. Isaiah 30:15-16 AMP

THOUGHT: The context for Isaiah 30 reads like a modern tragedy. A nation running to an enemy for help and protection, rather than running to God. When I think of all the rejection God has received over the course of history, I am stunned to amazement at his agape. Never failing because it’s his character. Never ending because it’s his promise. But does that mean it doesn’t hurt? Does that mean he doesn’t suffer from the rejection of those he gave life to?

These days we have a tragedy of our own unfolding before our eyes. Riders on swift horses, running toward destruction rather than God. I am often tempted to ride along – I get so twisted up in the masquerade, so full of anxiety and fear, so certain that I must do something, anything to alleviate the angst! Maybe you suffer from this malady too, and maybe God will give us something to do – but it needs to come from a heart full of quietness and confident trust. A heart that is more bent on listening than fleeing from enemies. And it needs to flow from people who have found salvation first lies in those two little, uncomplicated words: returning and rest.

PRAYER: Oh God, I quiet myself before you, the great Creator, the only God, the one who made us and gave us life. I would not wish to run from you to save myself or my nation. I would instead keep things in perspective. You are greater far than any enemy of mine. Help me moment-by-moment to return, rest, be quiet, and have quiet confidence in you. Thank you for your great promises and the heart to keep them!