"In quietness and trust is your strength." Isaiah 30:15
This passage of Scripture struck me as I opened to Isiah to spend some time with God. It was actually highlighted from a previous days reading, yet had not resonated with me at the time. However, this time the words seemed to be jumping off the page. So profound, yet so simple: "In quietness and trust is your strength."
The ability to be strong rests not in human might or brute force, but in steady belief in the goodness of God. When one is able to calm the mind and soul from controlling/striving/worrying, and simply trust in God, strength is produced. A confidence in His strength is realized. I cannot muster up enough strength on my own, not for very long at least. I've tried this in the past with little success. However, when I quiet my mind and quiet my soul I can focus on His love and goodness. This inevitably brings me to a place of trust and dependence on Him...and this is where true strength is found. Not in trying to "be" strong. In reality it's actually quite the opposite as I need only to "be" still and let God be strong in me. What a sense of relief and peace this brings to know that it's not up to me to be strong. I can rest in Him and know that by simply doing so I am strong.
Truly it is a sign of real strength when one is able to surrender their effort to be strong on their own and depend on the Lord instead.
"Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Again, to settle one's self before God and recognize who He is will produce strength. A healthy recognition of His nature will bring one to a place of trust every time. "God is love" (1 John 4:8). "The Lord is righteous in all His ways and loving toward all His creation" (Psalm 145:17). "For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations" (Psalm 100:5). "Fear not for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you and I will help you" (Isaiah 41:10). “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29). "In all things God works for the good of those who love Him..." (Romans 8:28).
This is merely a snapshot of the character of a very good God. As we draw closer to Him our trust grows, allowing us to find our strength in who He is, rather than in who we are (or are not). The more we know Him the more worthy we find Him to be of our trust and we can quietly and confiedently come before Him in our time of need.
As my study Bible so accurately states:
"A right relationship with God brings quietness, the ability to be calm, because one trusts in Him to keep His promises."
For me, my strength is directly linked to my relationship with God. I'm not naturally strong-minded, so the ability to quiet my soul and trust in Him is essential. No striving. No worrying. No letting my emotions control me. Just trusting in Him while knowing He is my strength.
Do you need your strength renewed? If so, don't simply try harder, relying on your own effort and ability. Instead, do what seems to go against your natural instinct and simply be still, draw close to God and let His strength renew you. He desires peace for you, not the burden of trying to be strong. So quiet yourself before God and begin to trust in who He is and watch as He fills you with His strength...His freedom-giving, peace-producing, effortless strength.
By Ryan Walters
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