“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘Only in returning to me
and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.’” Isaiah 30:15 NLT
I wanted that snowstorm because blizzards are exciting and I wanted the day off; my job caring for a mentally ill older woman was burning me out. But the storm “fizzled” and I had to go to work. All afternoon I tried to quell my anger and irritation over not getting my own way. I reminded myself I was there for my client, that I was being selfish and acting like a spoiled brat.
Later, I resorted to my default behavior when pouting: I bought a chocolate bar and some trail mix and “scarfed” them down. Immediately, guilt and shame gripped me and I knelt on my bedroom floor. “O Lord, I’m such a terrible sinner. I’m so selfish and ungrateful and self-indulgent. And you know I can’t promise I won’t do it again. Please forgive me. I’m so awful.”
The Lord seemed to say, “You’re forgiven. But relax. Lay aside yourself and your besetting sins and weaknesses. Focusing too much on your failures produces the very thing you’re trying to avoid: putting you at the center of things instead of me. Focus on and worship me. Look to me and find rest.”
Peace and calm stole over me as I obeyed and centered my thoughts on my wonderful God. What we give the majority of our attention to takes on the most power in our perspective. How much better to look to the Father’s presence, his holiness, love, power, and goodness rather than our own stumbling and attempts to fix ourselves. Though we have no excuse for taking advantage of God’s grace and sinning deliberately, his forgiveness, peace, and strength are there for us if we just repent, receive, refocus,and relax.
PRAYER: Dear Father in heaven, I know I fail in many ways. Forgive me, help me to repent, refocus on you, and rest in your salvation. AMEN.
Comments