Could it be that the answer you’ve been seeking is found in the opposite of what you’ve been doing?
So many times I find myself doing everything I know to do. Looking deeper inside myself to find the strength, resources, or means to overcome the present trials or circumstances. Theologically speaking, I know that the answer is not found in me. Practically speaking, it’s the first place I look.
Isaiah 30:15 says, “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.’”
In Repentance and Rest
Often times when facing a difficult trail I push myself harder. I mentally psych myself up, saying; “Just keep on going. This will pass. There is a light at the end of this tunnel. You can make it. Just one more day.”
Truthfully, all I’m doing is pushing forward in my own strength when I should be turning (repenting) from myself. Isaiah says, Repentance and Rest will save you. If you are trusting in yourself, STOP! It’s time to turn from that thinking. Turn from your own wisdom and turn towards His. Rest on His word, not yours! There is salvation from your present trail and circumstance found in Repentance and Rest. That is backwards from human thinking. But I promise generates forward momentum in your life.
In Quietness and Trust
When I feel hard pressed on every side, sitting still and being quiet is the last thing I want to do. I want to tackle it head on. However, I’ve learned that most situations that are out of control, are already out of my hands. So, in those times the best and really the only thing to do is…SIT. Sit and wait upon the Lord. Trust Him. He will renew my strength!
When I’m simply wearing myself out doing everything I know to do, doing the last thing I want to do is the one thing that brings me out. Stop, Sit, Listen in the quietness of your own prayer time, wait on the Lord, trust Him. He will renew your strength!
It’s backward from human thinking. But it generates forward momentum in your life.
That’s really good 🙂