Where Strength is Found
Have you ever had one of those months when it seems you are running so hard that your feet did not touch the ground? This past month was such a month for me. Feeling ragged one day, I asked the Lord for a fresh refill of His strength. This is what He said:"In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength" (Isaiah 30:15).
Quietness, according to the Hebrew, means to be still and to settle down. How I often need to be reminded to do this! My natural inclination is keep going like the Energizer Bunny. But unlike the Bunny, fueled by so-called never-ending batteries, going and going and going on saps my strength. Instead, the Lord says, "Rest. Be quiet. Stay still. Listen to Me. Experience My peace."
Over the years, the Lord has been pruning me of the need to go everywhere. It's still an ongoing battle, but He has given me a desire to center my heart at home and invest in my hidden life with Him. This has been a significant lifestyle change for me as I've always been a woman on the go. God is so gracious to draw us back to Himself when we stray. He says, "Return to Me, and you shall be saved."
Busyness, though, is a condition of the heart and being at home doesn't necessarily mean I am in tune with God. We are told to guard our hearts with all diligence because our hearts are easily distracted. Spending time alone with God and tuning our ears to hear His voice requires a deliberate choice. It doesn't happen automatically. Oh, but what a worthwhile investment, for this is where our Lord faithfully gives us His strength for the tasks at hand!
"In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength" (Isaiah 30:15).
In confidence shall be your strength. Let's look closer at what this really means. The Hebrew definition of confidence is "trust." Where shall I place my trust? Trusting in myself brings spiritual weakness. Trusting in the Lord brings spiritual strength.
A woman who trusts in God is confident in His sovereignty. She is not controlling everything and everyone around her. She is not manipulating situations, nor is she talking too much. She keeps a quiet heart. This is where strength is found.
"Lord, may Your strength be found in me today. Give me quietness and confidence in Your power. In Jesus' name, amen."
~Linda Hayase
(Apples of Gold, November 2001).
posted by Linda @ 9:58 PM
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