Returning to Quietness

For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel,"In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength." But you were unwilling, and you said,"No!" ~~ Isaiah 30: 15&16a

When you think of summer camp you do not usually think of quietness or rest. Instead you imagine screaming children, loud camp songs, sugar highs, and lots of whining about the heat and bugs. Although I've seen that side of camp this week, I've also gotten to see a different side of summer camp. I was invited to be "the missionary" (along with my friend and former mission partner, Autumn Croy) at Camp Pinnacle (A GA camp in Clayton, Georgia). Because we are the missionaries we do not have a whole lot of responsibility. We have had a time each day when we speak to the campers about our time serving as missionaries and then at night we have time with some of the counselors when they can ask us questions about missionary life. The rest of the time we are free to join in the activities or just relax on our own. So, needless to say I've been doing lots of relaxing and allowing God to remind me of His goodness and faithfulness throughout my life. Before coming here I went down to Alabama to see my Aunt and my mother and sister met us there. My aunt's house is an amazing Antebellum home that just takes you back to another era. It is the perfect place to rest and reflect. So, being there set me up for this relaxing week at camp.


I've been reading through Isaiah this summer and this week I have come to Isaiah 30. I came to verse 15 and have just read and reread that verse. --For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel,"In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength." -- These words have just spoken volumes to me this week. It's like I'm just drawn to read the verse over and over. In returning (another version says repentance) and rest you shall be saved. The story of my life is that I try to do everything on my own and I work really hard to do it. God has constantly and consistently reminded me to REST in Him and he will be my strength and through His power I will accomplish His purpose for me. So, I have had to return once again to God and his ways and his plan (which is so far above my own and NEVER the way I expect it to be) and repent of trying to do things on my own. And praise Him that he has given me this week of rest to just remember his love, faithfulness and mercy. And it is through keeping a quiet heart and trusting Him that He will provide strength for me to take the next steps of life. OR I can choose to be like Israel who said, "NO!"--But you were unwilling, and you said,"No!"(vs 16) -- and I can suffer the consequences of saying no to my Creator and doing things my own way. I've lived that way for far too long. So, I'm choosing to rest and trust in the One who knows me better than I know myself. However, I know I can't even do that on my own. As I was reading in Hebrews 4 today I was reminded of our great High Priest, Jesus who helps us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." -- So, that is exactly what I prayed today. Lord, because you say I can, I will boldly come before you and ask for your mercy and grace to help me during my time of need.

So, I'm thankful that I've had this week of rest. I pray that the things I'm learning this week will help me as I go back into a busy schedule and an important semester in which I'm making several life decisions.