Salvation and Strength - The Crosswalk Devotional - October 15

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Salvation and Strength
By Megan J. Conner

Bible Reading:
“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…” - Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)

Does your world feel like it is splitting apart at the seams? Perhaps you are facing a tragic, unexpected loss or an unplanned change in your circumstances, and it feels like a seismic shift has cracked open the very ground beneath your feet. Or you may be overwhelmed by what you see, hear, or read in the news or on social media. Everything appears to be out of control, and you are struggling to find any measure of security or stability. Where can you obtain help? Is it even possible to discover peace?

Grasping for that elusive sense of safety and security has been an ongoing struggle for all of humanity. From the Old Testament to the New, the Word of God is filled with accounts of believers facing adversity and longing for rescue and respite. Just take a look at the stories of Joseph, Elijah, or Esther, to name a few. In each narrative, we witness the demise of their anticipated plans and purposes without practical solutions. They could not solve their own problems or fight their way out of their troubles. Rather, it was through rest and quietness that their deliverance was provided. 

Today’s passage from Isaiah offers clear direction for those struggling through seasons of shifting sand. “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…” (Isaiah 30:15, NIV). It is not through battle, through wrestling, through hustle, busyness, or all the rest, that we obtain peace. More often than not, our human efforts will fail to bring about the desired outcomes simply because they are prompted by the wrong motives. We long for a quick escape. We want the unpleasant circumstances to change. Yet, God sees far beyond that. As unwelcome as they may be, our Good Father is using your current challenges to grow your faith and draw you closer to Him. He has not left you alone to claw your way out of your circumstances.  Instead, He reminds you that He, and He alone, is the source of your strength. Your help comes from Him.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121 (NIV)

Intersecting Faith & Life:

How do you respond when it feels like your world has undergone a seismic shift? Do you find yourself running in circles, trying to repair everything? Is it easy or hard for you to release your future to the Lord? Why or why not? 

I know for me personally, relinquishing control, even if it is only the perception of control, is incredibly difficult. However, I have learned my efforts rarely generate anything other than increased anxiety. If that is you as well, join me today and intentionally choose rest and quietness. When you feel an itch to get up and hustle your way through your dilemma, force yourself to remain seated. If necessary, physically sit down in a comfortable chair and surrender your security to the Lord. Sometimes our bodies need to reflect the actions of our hearts. 

If you are seeking noise and distraction to cover up the discontent in your soul, turn off the TV, podcast, radio, or even white noise and simply rest in the silence. Remember – silence offers strength. It is in the quiet stillness that we can hear the gentle whisper of the Lord.  

God is faithful to fulfill His promise.  “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…” Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)

Further Reading:
Psalm 23
Psalm 46:10

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/aldomurillo 

Megan J. Conner is an author, editor, speaker, avid consumer of literature, writing consultant, and overall lover of all things creative!  She is passionate about the written word and compelling storytelling. Whether that is through imaginative and whimsical children’s literature or faith-based works that allow readers to be immersed in narratives of authentic faith shared through the lives of imperfect people, Megan hopes to remind audiences of the beauty and power of shared stories.

To read more from Megan, check out her Blog, Just One More Chapter.  If you would like to connect further with Megan, you can discover more on her Website, on Facebook, or Instagram.

Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com! 

Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!

Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!