Isaiah 30 - Returning and Resting - Devotional Scripture

Throughout history the people of Israel have been known as a people of independence and great resourcefulness. They take great pride in being able to get out of sticky situations on their own.  Yet, this attitude of relying on our own abilities to get out of jams can get us into trouble. That is the situation in Isaiah 30. Knowing that they were about to be invaded by the Assyrians, instead of seeking God and His solution, the Jews formed an alliance with the Egyptians. Trying to protect themselves and save themselves they relied on their own abilities and carried out their own plans.  They sought advice from everyone but God. God called them stubborn, rebellious children.

 

 

"Woe to the rebellious children,” says the Lord, “Who take counsel, but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; who walk to go down to Egypt, and have not asked My advice, to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!   Isaiah 30:1-2

 

 God warned the people that turning to Egypt for military strength could not save them but they would not listen.

 

 

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”

Isaiah 30:15 (NLT)

 

To return to God and rest in Him is to trust in His promises. When we trust God, we don't have to rely on ourselves to fix the problem. We don't have to run all about trying to protect or guard ourselves.  We can just rest in Him.

Our strength is found in quietness. We don't need to argue for our side when God is on our side. We can be quiet before Him and before others confidently knowing God’s got our back. We aren't given to despair or fear, because we trust God's promises. You know He can and will come through, and you have a deep confidence in the God who loves you.

This is where we find true strength. There is no person walking this earth more powerful than a child of God boldly and properly trusting the promise of God. People cannot shake you or break you when you trust the One who made you. Your salvation lies in returning to God and resting on Him. Your strength lies in quiet trust in God rather than frenzied flight to Egypt.   Look to the Strong for strength and trust in Him for your salvation.