Just Rest

This morning I read Isaiah 30. God is beyond frustrated with His people. They don't want to listen to the prophets and hear what their future will be if they continue to ignore God. Despite God's frustration with them, He tells them how much He wants to do for them if they will only look to Him for their survival and protection.

"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...'" (Is. 30:15).

Isaiah further says, "Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion...How gracious he will be when you cry for help! Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it'" (Is. 30:19b, 21).

Yesterday I read an article about napping. Short times of rest can re-energize us and make us more effective in our work. Furthermore, taking time to relax and be peaceful can do wonders for our mental health. Similarly, if we will quiet ourselves and tune in to God and allow Him to take the stresses that weigh us down, we will find that He is in fact our salvation of, not only our souls, but also of our daily struggles and anxieties.

The holiday season is here. I urge you to take many chunks of time, even if it's just 15-minute snippets, to quiet your spirit and remember what Christmas celebrates. And while you're at it, make times of peace and quiet a New Year's Resolution for 2006.