Isaiah was a prophet who faithfully spoke God’s Word to God’s chosen people, the ones through whom He had promised to send the Messiah. The words he shared did not always make him popular. At times Isaiah called the people out for their waywardness and sin, but then he would remind them of the goodness of their loving Father in heaven and the kindness He wanted to show them.

In chapter 30, God’s people had sought some sort of alliance with Egypt for protection. They did so without consulting the Lord, indicating they did not rely on Him to be their protector. How often do we do the same in our lives, thinking we have to do everything ourselves and not involving God in the process?

Through His prophet the Lord chastises His people for trusting in the powers of this world rather than Him. Then He offers these words:

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.”

They rejected the things that would have assured them of salvation from God over and over again. We look back on them and wonder why they would do that.

Lent is a time of repentance. We are encouraged to remember the sacrifice Jesus made to give us salvation, and to “rest” in that strength and certainty rather than trusting in ourselves and our own efforts.

Lord, forgive us for the times when we seek solutions to our problems without consulting you. Draw us closer to You and Your will. Remind us of all You have already done for us by coming down to this earth to be our Savior. Give us Your strength that we turn from our sins and back to you. Don’t let us be numbered among those who reject your ways, who “would have none of it.” Enable us to trust in Your power to save and Your ongoing guidance for our lives. Amen.

 Isaiah 26:3  You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.