“The Lord God says: ‘Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.’”
Isaiah 30:15
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- In this passage, the prophet known as Isaiah declares that you can’t be saved from troubles by struggling with outer enemies. You must turn to the Presence of God, with you and within you, to achieve whatever ends you desire. This consciousness (mindset) is faithful and patient, not striving and anxious. It knows that spiritual strength sometimes requires being still and allowing.
- Whenever a prophet appears in sacred texts, you’re invited to transform yourself. As God’s messengers, prophets offer new perspectives on life.
- In Metaphysics, demonstration is the spiritual and mental energy of thoughts directed toward a definite purpose. Demonstration is a natural outflow of the creative process, the outer expression of your understanding and ability to live according to spiritual law. You can only demonstrate from this level of knowing.
- Emmet Fox, master 20th century spiritual teacher and writer advises against forcing a demonstration. He recommends tuning into God (Supreme Being, Higher Power, Divine Life Energy, etc.) and focusing on what you know about God: that “God is present everywhere, that God has all power, that God knows you and loves you and cares for you.” This mindset aligns you with the same divine energy that Isaiah, Jesus, and all spiritual masters use to demonstrate Truth; they let their intuition guide them, rather than strain or force.
- Furthermore, when you’re clear about what you want to demonstrate, you transform your thinking to gently focus on your desired outcome, not on any current problem. You claim in thought and imagination what you need, without creating a laundry list of how it should unfold. Then you give thanks that it is done, holding it within you, with quiet confidence and assurance. You are strong in both faith and vision.
- Demonstration is your evidence of what does or doesn’t work for you. So, what you see around you, whether you like it or not, is what you’re demonstrating. For example, if you’re hoarding bunches of things because you might need them someday, you’re demonstrating a lack of trust, not abundance. Or if you’re affirming that you have a strong, healthy body, but still smoke a pack a day, you’re demonstrating dis-ease. When you impartially observe your life, you can adjust to demonstrate differently.
Contemplation Questions:
As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:
- When I look at my life, what do I notice around me?
- List, word map, or illustrate everything you see.
- Of what I notice, what demonstrates
- my best?
- List, word map, or illustrate your best.
- my progress?
- List, word map, or illustrate your progress.
- my unhealthy choices?
- List, word map, or illustrate what’s unhealthy.
- my best?
- What are at least three (3) ways, I’m willing to eliminate the unhealthy?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can imagine
- What are at least three (3) ways, I can continue my progress?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can imagine.
- What are at least three (3) ways, I can continue accentuating my best?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can imagine.
As you use this devotional, remember that you can begin again, anytime, anywhere. You aren’t defined by previous choices. When you make a sincere effort to turn within and recognize your strengths, you devote your energy to emphasizing—demonstrating—those strengths in all aspects of your life: spiritual, physical, mental, emotional. Be gentle and honest with yourself, and know that as you demonstrate your best, you’re inspiring someone else to live their best, too.
© 2024 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
Photo from Shutterstock by Jason Wells
