SCRIPTURE: 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. You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’ Therefore you will flee! You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.’ Therefore your pursuers will be swift! Isaiah 30:15-16 NIV
THOUGHT: This could have been titled “Repentance & Rest” or “Quietness and Trust,” but I wondered if “Swift Horses” would get more eyeballs. The good news is all three phrases are like magic to the creative imagination.
Do you picture yourself more interested in swift horses or rest, quietness and trust? Hmmmm, interesting question. And repentance has to do with turning around, so are you more interested in turning around or galloping full tilt away from whatever it is God wants you to do?
The bottom line here is that, horses aside, God invites us to a rhythm that is different from our high-paced culture. Repentance is a lifestyle that says, I am listening. I am yours, oh God. I delight to do your will (Psalm 40:8 ESV), right now.” And repentance starts the cycle of quietness, rest, and trust.
God promises salvation and strength to those who are willing to dismount the steed of their own or the world’s agenda. But to those who ride on, despite warnings, God promises swift pursuers.
I’ve been chased down by some swift pursuers, and I know what it feels like. Repentance and rest was a gift that has never stopped giving.
PRAYER: Oh God, thank you for your cautionary words for our souls, and for the invitation to a different rhythm.
Dear Reader,
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ABOUT ME:
Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
Check out Walking When You’d Rather Fly, and learn more about the book and Amy’s other ministries. You will also find her devotional work at Words of Hope.
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