“In returning and rest you shall be saved;

.... In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not (Isaiah 30:15). I have often come to this verse when I was troubled, in order to quiet my heart,  and return to peace. And it is a valid application of the principle/promise. The context however (“you would not”),  is of Israel choosing to turn to Egypt for council and deliverance, rather than to trust a clear Word from the Lord (verses 1, 2, 10). In terms of application we are to see Egypt as a symbol of the World, and of worldly wisdom. It is not that we cannot get good council from the world, but the context again, is about choosing to deliberately go against something He has made clear in His Word or otherwise. That,  and taking council and/or trusting in anything other than Him.

The Lord calls this iniquity and rebellion (verses 1, 13), and as with Israel He allows events to take their course. In particular He allows the consequences of “doing it my way.”  We reap what we sow, that is bad choices have bad consequences. And the Lord often waits for us to come to our senses, so that He can be gracious to us (verse 18).  It's almost as if He is saying to us “have you suffered enough yet?”  Sometimes the Lord will discipline us for “whom the Lord loves He chastens” (Hebrews 12:6).  His desire is that we learn to walk in the Spirit, that is be guided and directed by His Word and by His Spirit. When we do this,  we learn to hear His voice (John 10:27). Coming back to the Isiah passage He confirms His guidance as we step out in faith. In particular we will hear a voice behind us saying “this is the way, walk in it” (verse 21).


Father, forgive us, forgive me,  for those times when we thought we knew better,  and followed our way rather than Yours. Forgive us too Lord, that when we knew to do something,  or knew not to do something and we did not do it, or we did it anyway. Thank You Lord for the reality that when we make bad or poor choices there are always negative consequences, for they are designed to bring us back to You. And thank You Lord for the times you chasten us,  for You are treating us as sons and daughters (Hebrews 12:7-11). And  it  reminds that we are Yours. Thank You Lord for all these things in Jesus Name Amen