December 17

Quiet Resting Places

Then my people will dwell in a peaceful place, in safe and secure places of rest. — Isa 32:18 BSB

Isaiah’s vision of rest and peace is portrayed in Isaiah 32:2, much like the Psalmist’s description in Psalm 23. It’s the scorching heat of noon. The glare from the limestone rocks is almost unbearable, and the sun’s rays feel like sword-blades. Every living creature has sought shelter from the relentless heat, except for the little green lizards darting in and out of the shadows. The shepherd has led his flock to the cool, shaded valley, where great rocks cast dark shadows. You can hear the soft ripple of the brook as it winds between mossy banks and tumbles over pebbles. These are the green pastures and the still waters.

Do these not have parallels in our own lives? Think of the carefree days of childhood, when temptation was far away, and we hadn’t yet felt the strain of life’s responsibilities. Perhaps it’s the Sunday rest, with its pause from the week’s feverish activity, the calm of worship and meditation. Or maybe it’s a time of recovery after illness, slowly regaining strength. It could be an annual holiday spent by the sea or in the countryside. For our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, we need these moments of rest when life’s machinery can cool, and the waters can settle.

But if we want to enter into this peaceful habitation, we must meet the conditions. We must make Jesus our King and place the scepter of our lives entirely in His hands. We must hide ourselves under the shadow of the crucified Christ, who offers Himself as a shelter from the scorching winds and a refuge from the storm (Isaiah 32:1-2). Isaiah reminds us that this peace and quiet confidence rest on righteousness and justice. They are not given arbitrarily but are secured through the righteous work of Christ. “God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,” because in His Son, all claims have been met (Romans 5:1).

Prayer

O God, grant us a pause from the rush of daily life, not just outwardly, but in our hearts. May our anxieties and cares be laid upon You, for You care for us. Let nothing disturb the peace and serenity of our hearts. You have ordained peace for us because You have accomplished all our works in us. Amen.