Choose Rest What do you long for this Advent Season? World peace, reconciliation in your family, a cure for cancer and other diseases, provision for the widows and orphans, more time, rest? All of these are good aspirations, but during this second week of Advent we are going to focus on one simple four letter word: Rest. Rest. Is it so simple? What exactly is it? Mirriam-Webster defines rest as freedom from activity or labor, peace of mind or spirit, a rhythmic silence in music, quiet. The Lord offers a definition of rest in Isaiah 30:15: “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.” We can find salvation in repentance and rest? I understand when we repent of our sins (wrongdoings), God is faithful to forgive us because Jesus Christ died as the atoning sacrifice for our sins (I John 4:9,10). But, according to this verse in Isaiah, salvation is found in both repentance and rest. After we repent, we can fully rest in the knowledge that our sins are forgiven; we do not need to work to earn our salvation. We find rest in God alone knowing our salvation comes from Him (Psalm 62:1,5). The holiday season is an odd time to talk about rest when our calendars and lives are full of hurry. Rest seems to be the first to go. Did you catch the last phrase of Isaiah 30:15? It says, “but you would have none of it.” We are not so different from the Israelites. We choose to strive, to accomplish one more thing on our to do list, and seek the security the world offers. In chapter 30 of Isaiah, the Israelites were fleeing to Egypt for help instead of resting and trusting in God for their strength and protection. God reminds them that their salvation is not found in the deception of Egypt. Salvation is found in repentance and rest. Do we need this same reminder? Our salvation and strength does not come by pursuing the things of this world--like purchasing the next latest, best, biggest of anything; or seeking power, position, prestige--but by repenting and resting in Him. Isaiah 30:15 goes on to say we find strength in quietness and trust. The definition of rest from Merriam-Webster that stood out to me is the rhythmic silence in music, quiet. Our lives are so full of noise and distractions. How often are we quiet and still? Busyness and striving are distractions Satan uses to keep us from what matters most: repentance, rest, quietness and trust. The progression of these words is significant. Repent, rest, be quiet and trust Me. What do you need to repent of this Advent Season? Are you taking time to rest in His love and grace? Are you being quiet so you are able to hear His voice (Isaiah 30:21)? Are you trusting Him to meet your needs? Whenever I pass this sunny spot on my couch I hear God saying, Come, cease your striving; rest in Me. This Advent season, I invite you to take a deep breath, exhale and join me on the couch, choosing to rest in the gift of His Presence.
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AuthorI am a woman who loves everything about making a house a home. I enjoy meal planning, cooking, baking, sewing, crafting, and decorating. Not so much cleaning and laundry, but that goes along with caring for a home. I am blessed to be married to a pastor and we have had the privilege of raising two daughters. Archives
July 2021
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