Does Your Shade Tree Give You Rest
Isaiah 30:2-3, 15, 18 NLT
Verse 2-3: For without consulting Me, you have gone down to Egypt for help. You have put your trust in Pharaoh’s protection. You have tried to hide in his shade. But by trusting Pharaoh, you will be humiliated, and by depending on him, you will be disgraced.
Verse 15: 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. But you would have none of it.
Verse 18: So the Lord must wait for you to come to Him so He can show you His love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for His help.
How many times have you trusted in someone or something else BEFORE seeking God's advise, wisdom, direction...? For me, a TON of times! I have failed at this far too many times. When we "go down to Egypt" (which is people and places outside of God's will) we usually end up in a big mess! Yes, we also end up being humiliated, disappointed, saddened, and disgraced in one way or another! I LOVE how God gives us this stern warning, but then also gives us a promise! "Only in returning to Me and resting in Me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength." By turning to God, we gain SO much more than we could ever know or even understand!
The other amazing thing: God is not a 'bully', He doesn't 'force' us in to or to do anything!! He is patient. Very patient! He waits years and years for some of us to turn to Him, trust in Him, believe and have faith that He really does love us and wants what is best for us! Our heavenly Father is just waiting to bless us!
Today, perhaps you have been "going to Pharaoh" for answers or solutions to things in your life. It is time to turn away from the false 'god' of whatever it is you are worshiping, or giving all of your free time and money to as if it were a god! It may not be easy, and it may seem like it's not much fun either - but I'm here to tell you: IT IS WORTH IT! It is NOT as hard as you think either. Ok, "how to" ask God for help.... Just like you would if you called or texted a friend for help in your situation. Simply talk to Him. Ask. Confess anything that comes to mind, in your heart, that you believe to be causing a separation between you and God. I use the ABC method. I go through the ABC's and share with God, the things that come to mind, that I need to ask for forgiveness for, or confess that I have done. I do it while I am driving to work. It becomes a pretty GREAT trip to work!
God is not pushy, nor is He invasive. Unlike the devil or "Pharaoh" in our life. When you are getting 'forced' into making a decision, and it goes against your inner peace, it normally is not right! However, God does NOT hold grudges! If/when you go to Him and ask for His forgiveness - HE DOES FORGIVE!! He doesn't even keep track of it! He loves you, forgives you, and then moves on. WOW!! Talk about building up our peace, confidence, and strength! Rest under the shade of God, and not the world or the devil. Those 'trees' will not really ever give you the peace and rest from their shade like they promise. However, God's shade tree - WILL give you peace, comfort, joy, and rest!
Verse 2-3: For without consulting Me, you have gone down to Egypt for help. You have put your trust in Pharaoh’s protection. You have tried to hide in his shade. But by trusting Pharaoh, you will be humiliated, and by depending on him, you will be disgraced.
Verse 15: 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. But you would have none of it.
Verse 18: So the Lord must wait for you to come to Him so He can show you His love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for His help.
How many times have you trusted in someone or something else BEFORE seeking God's advise, wisdom, direction...? For me, a TON of times! I have failed at this far too many times. When we "go down to Egypt" (which is people and places outside of God's will) we usually end up in a big mess! Yes, we also end up being humiliated, disappointed, saddened, and disgraced in one way or another! I LOVE how God gives us this stern warning, but then also gives us a promise! "Only in returning to Me and resting in Me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength." By turning to God, we gain SO much more than we could ever know or even understand!
The other amazing thing: God is not a 'bully', He doesn't 'force' us in to or to do anything!! He is patient. Very patient! He waits years and years for some of us to turn to Him, trust in Him, believe and have faith that He really does love us and wants what is best for us! Our heavenly Father is just waiting to bless us!
Today, perhaps you have been "going to Pharaoh" for answers or solutions to things in your life. It is time to turn away from the false 'god' of whatever it is you are worshiping, or giving all of your free time and money to as if it were a god! It may not be easy, and it may seem like it's not much fun either - but I'm here to tell you: IT IS WORTH IT! It is NOT as hard as you think either. Ok, "how to" ask God for help.... Just like you would if you called or texted a friend for help in your situation. Simply talk to Him. Ask. Confess anything that comes to mind, in your heart, that you believe to be causing a separation between you and God. I use the ABC method. I go through the ABC's and share with God, the things that come to mind, that I need to ask for forgiveness for, or confess that I have done. I do it while I am driving to work. It becomes a pretty GREAT trip to work!
God is not pushy, nor is He invasive. Unlike the devil or "Pharaoh" in our life. When you are getting 'forced' into making a decision, and it goes against your inner peace, it normally is not right! However, God does NOT hold grudges! If/when you go to Him and ask for His forgiveness - HE DOES FORGIVE!! He doesn't even keep track of it! He loves you, forgives you, and then moves on. WOW!! Talk about building up our peace, confidence, and strength! Rest under the shade of God, and not the world or the devil. Those 'trees' will not really ever give you the peace and rest from their shade like they promise. However, God's shade tree - WILL give you peace, comfort, joy, and rest!
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