Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
January 3, 2025
Isaiah 30:15-18
15 Therefore, the LORD God, the holy one of Israel, says: In return and rest you will be saved; quietness and trust will be your strength but you refused. 16 You said, “No! We’ll flee on horses” therefore, you will indeed flee “and we’ll ride off; on swift steeds we will ride” therefore, your pursuers will be swift. 17 One thousand will flee at the threat of one, and at the threat of five you will flee, until you are left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, like a flag on a hill. 18 Nonetheless, the LORD is waiting to be merciful to you, and will rise up to show you compassion. The LORD is a God of justice; happy are all who wait for him.
Good Morning. Happy are all who wait on the Lord!
Quietness and trust will be your strength but you refused. 16 You said, “No!
Oh my! How many of us are guilty of refusing the Lord? During challenges, there is a time to take action, and there is a time to wait quietly.
I remember times when I have jumped into the mess with both feet because I just felt I had to try something. Even when my something made no sense, I couldn’t just sit and wait. At times, we can all be reactionary. The whole count to ten, or sleep on it before you jump, goes out the window when we are compelled to act.
What can we do when we feel attacked or wronged? Jesus taught us many things: If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. 3
Back to quietness and trust . . . These I must practice. I find I get caught in a give-and-take relationship with trust and insecurity. I say to myself, let God take charge, trust God; all the while, I feel myself backing into my safe spot in case things go badly.
The Good News is despite my poor attempts to be quiet and trust God: 18 Nonetheless, the LORD is waiting to be merciful to you, and will rise up to show you compassion. The LORD is a God of justice; happy are all who wait for him.
Gracious Lord, Maker of all things! Our feet want to run when standing still is better. We want to shout when quietness is what will work best. Thank you for your mercy and patience with us. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: In the face of adversity, trust in God’s quiet strength.
Let Go! Trust God! Pastor Liz
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