A History

Daily Reading: Isaiah 30

Scripture Focus: For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30.15)

Devotional Thought: It has been said that those who don't study history are destined to repeat it.  But, what about the things you want to repeat?  Should we not remember that history?  Certainly ancient Israel would have helped themselves had they remembered their history.

God had a "history" with Israel - a history of helping them.  He had been there to help them when the Egyptians cornered them at the Red Sea.  He had helped them enter and take possession of the Promised Land.  He had delivered them from the Philistines when these barbaric people had terrorized them.  Their great king, David, had declared of God: “Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life” (Psalm 54.4). 

God had a "history" with Israel, yet at this point in their history, when facing a threat from the Assyrians, Israel wanted to turn back to Egypt!  Isaiah’s message was direct and to the point: You won’t find help in Egypt. “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”

God has a "history" with his people today.  Yet, we are often tempted to turn to our own devices or to human means of rescue.  We think that our help is the government, or our own ingenuity, or our resources and strength.  We struggle against the yoke when all along Jesus tells us to come to him and we will find rest for our souls.  Let the words Isaiah penned a few verses later encourage your soul: “The Lord waits to be gracious to you… He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry.  As soon as he hears it, he answers you” (Isaiah 30.18-19).

Prayer: Lord, you have been my help in times past.  Grant that I would remember this "history" that you have with me and that I would - in my times of trouble - return to you and find rest for my soul and strength for the battle.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 62.5-12

5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

9 Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.

10 Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

11 Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,

12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.