Isaiah 32: 17, 18
The result of righteousness will be peace, and righteousness will bring lasting tranquility and security. My people will live in a peaceful place, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Through Isaiah, you told them they would be taken into captivity because of their sins, but You also promised Your people that even though hope appeared to be lost, you would not abandon them. Instead, you would restore your people, bringing justice and righteousness to them. It happened just as they were told; they were taken captive because of their sins and idol worship, but You restored them.
Lord, each of us must admit to the sin which is in our lives—the temptations and desires which each of us falls into, making our lives loud and chaotic. But you do not abandon us to our sins; instead, you sent your Son to bring us justice and righteousness. Your punishment for our sins was handed out to him, and he willingly suffered in our place. Since you are a God of justice, you will not punish those who believe in Jesus; your justice was already dispensed upon him. It is through Jesus that we are made right with you by faith, and as Isaiah wrote, bringing us lasting tranquility and security. When we cling to you in faith, we are secure and at peace with you, and nothing can take us from our safe dwelling place. We find genuine rest in our Savior and with you, our Lord. So we pray that, for Jesus’ sake, you would forgive us all our sins, so our souls may be quieted with no guilt or shame for everything we have ever done against you or others.
Guide us by your word and give us the courage to share this good news with those who do not know you. So that they, too, will find and know peace, security, and rest, which only comes through faith in your Son. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
No matter what the world offers, it will never give you true peace and rest. That will only come by the righteousness Jesus offers through the forgiveness of all your sins. So there, you have peace with God; that is the only place you can truly rest.