We are strong because of God's salvation.
The Faithful (The Remnant) enter the walls of the city of God's salvation. They have trusted in the Lord the Eternal Rock and their thoughts are so fixed on Him. Because of their devotion, God promises to keep them in perfect peace. Their faithfulness hasn't gone unnoticed and God is being faithful to them in return.
The Proud and Arrogant have been reduced to dust under the feet of the faithful, but God has made the path smooth and even for the faithful to walk on. Those who put themselves above the faithful, God humbles. Not so we can exalt ourselves as more than them, but so God can be exalted through us. We are not to rub our successes in their faces when the prideful are knocked down a peg, as His children we are expected to take that opportunity to introduce them to our Father. The exalted above all. The one who sees them in all their pride and loves them just as much as you and me.
God knows that the faithful put their trust in Him because they follow what He says. Their heart's one desire is to glorify Him. They spend every moment seeking Him out and learning His heart. God gives them freedom and peace because they know He is the source of their accomplishments. They gladly confess that all of their success comes from Him.
When the faithful were in a time of distress they didn't doubt or run away, they searched. They knew their God had not turned from them, they only had to push deeper to find Him. Through His punishment of the unfaithful He was drawing the faithful to a deeper level of intimacy with Himself. A new realm of trust in their relationship. They have faith that those who follow Him to the end will arise with a new kind of joy, singing of His "life-giving light".
These are attributes of a followers heart: Devoted, Humble, Available, Relentless. Take a minute to identify which characteristics describe you and which ones you may lack. Are you loyal to God only? Or do other things often hold the majority of your time and affection? Are you quick to give God the credit for your accomplishments? Or do you find yourself seeking out that pat on the back for your job well done? Are you open to God's prompting and listening for His voice? Or do you turn away from opportunities to share your Father with those around you? Do you push deeper when God feels absent? Or are you quick to throw up your hands and decide to sit where you are until God comes back? Admit your weaknesses to your Father and declare your desire to grow. Offer control of your heart to God and watch as He molds you to become His version of you. Let Him stretch you and push you and watch your heart fall in line with these characteristics.
When your heart matches His heart, that's a beautiful thing.
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