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 30:15-18
In this first verse we thought of Ash Wednesday and the service at St. James, when we reflect on our sins and ask the Lord for forgiveness. We return to Him all year long, but especially on that night when the church is so somber and we are in deep repentance.
In verses 16 and 17, the people of Israel are fleeing, running from the enemy, and not waiting on the Lord. How easy it is to run from the things that bother us most? We all run from something! In verse 18 the Lord asks us to wait for Him. We still run though, running is easier than waiting. We need to learn to wait for the Lord just as He waits for us.
God is unselfish, not only waiting for us to call on Him, but listening when we do. He loves our praises, thanksgivings, and especially our cries for help, but a relationship with God is not one sided. Just as we converse with our friends, it wouldn't be a conversation if one person spoke. In waiting we can listen and by listening our relationship with God is made stronger. This Lenten season I will wait and listen for the Lord. And I will be ready when the Lord calls on me... Will you?
Jen and Sted Wolf (2011)
