A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis
“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 (NIV)
It’s official. The polls are in. People are stressed out. Mind you, it is my own man-on-the-street poll, but it is valid, nonetheless. All one has to do is watch, listen and read the cues.
People are in full swing with the new school year. Children are signed up for every activity, parents are rushing to and fro with children in tow, eating, grabbing and snatching dinner, catching conversations, ending up exhausted at home later than expected and trying to do homework when everyone is tired.
Those same parents may both be working, juggling complicated clients, schedules, and parents of their own. Friends are there, sort of. Church is there, but only if it fits in and joy is elusive. Peace? Missing in Action.
It’s no one’s fault. It’s everyone’s fault. It is life and it is at a breakneck speed.
In quietness and trust is your strength. These words are like a blanket for our souls, hearts, and minds. And they are spoken from the Sovereign Lord Himself. He does not mince words, nor waste them. He speaks clearly, on time and for our good (Romans 8:28).
What does quiet look and sound like? A day in the woods with only wind blowing, birds chirping and rivers flowing? Could be. Or the roar of an ocean? Or the cooing of a newborn baby?
Quiet could be the settled place in your heart in which surrender has just happened. Many times we struggle against God and the very thing He wants and has for us. But we resist, fight, ignore or walk away. Peace is chased, but never found. God wants us to chase Him, and the result of the chase is meeting and receiving Jesus Christ who is our Prince of Peace.
Can peace be had solely by chasing, or does it wash over us in a gentle embrace? There is something to be said about stillness and God has much to say about this.
“Be still and know that I am God.”—Psalm 46:10
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”—Exodus 14:14
“And after you have done everything, stand.”—Ephesians 6:13
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.”—Psalm 37:7
These are just a sampling found in Scripture. Chasing the word “still” in Scripture is a good practice and gets our minds settled on how important God sees stillness, quiet, trust and patience.
Oh, that word patience. Not many embrace it. Not many talk in a positive light as it seems to be the crushing enemy of a vibrant walk with Jesus. But God does not deem it so. We have one enemy, and his name is not patience. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit and is the evidence of a walk lived filled with the Spirit.
Missing patience and peace? These are not something we conjure up but are given to the believer as a demonstration of the Spirit working in our lives—and fruit for all to see. Peace comes in the complete trust and abandon to God. Patience comes with finally letting go and letting God. It is being still before Him in assurance of this truth: God is for us.
Instead of chasing, let us rest. Instead of fretting, let us trust. Instead of busyness, let us put God first and all these things will be added to us (Matthew 6:33).
What things will be added to us? As our Heavenly Father, God will provide everything we need in His perfect time. Matthew wrote down Christ’s words for us. The words are part of His Sermon on the Mount. These words set the world on fire then and they still have that same affect today.
Let us rest in Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Let us hide ourselves in Him and rest between His shoulders (Deuteronomy 33:12).
Let’s Pray: Father God, You alone are holy, good, and my Peace. Please forgive me for chasing the things of this world instead of stopping and being still, resting in You. I long for more of You and I see how by not stopping, I am actually pushing You away. I do repent and ask You to give me more of Jesus, my Prince of Peace. I am here, between Your shoulders and I am secure in Your love. And Peace. Hope. Rest. Salvation. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Song of Reflection: “First Things First” by Consumed By Fire. Listen to it here.
~*~
Author Bio:
As a wife and Marmee to three adult children and one brand new daughter-in-love, Kerry Sue’s life is very full. She met her husband in college and served in the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the United States of America to raise their family.
Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 23 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.
Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s.
Whether it’s singing in our church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than eight years, a Bible study writer for two years, and a devotional writer for about one year.
Kerry Sue writes about finding God’s Sovereignty in our pain and suffering.
~*~
Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.