“Salvation is always found by returning to me, turning from sin, and resting in me. Indeed, true strength is found by getting quiet and trusting only in me— fast horses won’t take you where you need to be; their destination is always ruin. The Lord longs to be gracious to you… wait for him.” (Paraphrase of Isa.3:15-18)
“Those wait upon the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isa.40:31).
Heavenly Father, thank you. These Scriptures land on our hearts today like a grace-filled rebuke and a heavenly kiss. Fear, restlessness, and weariness can do a number on us. Spiritual, emotional, and mental exhaustion lead us to make choices we always regret.
We run aimlessly to salvation-less saviors, relief-for-a-moment anesthetics, and the current idols of our hearts. We become easy targets for fear-mongers and partisan politics—the new “fast horses” and false prophets of our day. When anger and worry are more prevalent in our hearts than quietness and trust—we are accidents waiting to happen, children playing with matches and gasoline, and addicts given access to their drug of choice. Do an intervention on us, Abba.
Thank you a gazillion times over—in the Gospel, you bid us come boldly and regularly to the occupied throne of grace. There we find both you and need-shaped mercy and grace (Heb.4:15). Abba, thank you for your unrelenting, pursuing, kind heart. Right now, in this very moment—with your mercy in view (Rom.12:1-2) and our eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb.12:1), we return, repent, and rest.
We don’t need to soar high like eagles; we’ll settle for your Spirit descending on us bringing dove-like peace (Lk.3:21-22). Abba, be gracious to us today through your Word, Jesus’ intercession, your Spirit’s sovereign work, the ministry of angels (Heb.1:14), praying, encouraging friends… however you choose. So Very Amen.
