This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is our strength, but you would have none of it.”

Isaiah 30:15

In the Scripture reading today, Isaiah describes repentance and rest as the fruit of our salvation and quietness and trust as our strength. The Israelites did not repent, and their lives reflected the loss of peace and rest.

They continued to disobey God and ultimately ended up in captivity where they lost their confidence and peace and were weakened in spirit. Salvation, meaning “wholeness,” is available to us through Jesus Christ. When we turn to Him in faith, He not only offers us eternal life, but He also offers freedom from the bondage of our sins which brings us peace and quiets our soul.

After Peter healed the beggar, he spoke boldly about Christ whom they, the Jews, had killed. He called on them to repent so that their sins could be forgiven. I don’t know about you, but if I had been standing there, I would have been spellbound until he came to the part about my killing the Son of God! It took supernatural courage for Peter to speak so boldly. Are we willing to love people enough to tell them the good news that Jesus died for their sins and offers them forgiveness? It doesn’t matter what we have done; there is nothing so terrible that He will not forgive if we repent from our sins and turn to Him.

Have you lost your peace or your confidence? Ask the Lord to show you if there is an area in your life where you are in disobedience and repent (turn back to God). You will find that in repentance and rest is your salvation, and in quietness and trust you will find your strength.

Heavenly Father,

I confess that I have disobeyed You (fill in the blank). I turn back to You and ask You to restore my strength and quiet my soul. Forgive me, Lord, for my willfulness and bring me out of captivity and into Your loving arms.

In Jesus’ name, Amen