It Starts Small

⁵ Young women of Jerusalem, I charge you
by the gazelles and the wild does of the field,
do not stir up or awaken love
until the appropriate time.

Songs 3:5

The scene unfolds slowly, enveloped in a velvet embrace. The bride, having traversed the depths of her heart, has finally discovered her sanctuary. With a fierce intensity, she turns to her companions, delivering a solemn plea – do not stir love before its moment arrives. This moment is electric, reverberating with significance. Love moves with a rhythm all its own, and there is no urgency to push ahead. This is a time of sacred reprieve, where the chase has gracefully subsided, not due to waning desire, but because a profound connection has been forged. She is fulfilled, reveling in this exquisite stillness. This rest is not indifference; it is the essence of deep-seated confidence and knowing.

¹⁵ For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said:
“You will be delivered by returning and resting;
your strength will lie in quiet confidence.
But you are not willing.”

Isaiah 30:15

Theologically, we are passionately reminded that God’s timing is nothing short of perfect. We often find ourselves yearning to feel more, to experience more, and to rush ahead—but the Spirit tenderly whispers, “not yet.” In this waiting, there is an incredible strength; in stillness, profound wisdom awaits us.

Psychologically, rest is not just important; it is vital for our renewal. After enduring prolonged spiritual intensity, the soul craves tranquility. Our nervous system longs to recalibrate, to regain balance. The bride’s call resonates deeply, echoing both spiritual and psychological truths: rest, wait, trust. Neuroscience reveals the profound wisdom that stillness can rejuvenate our capacity to manage stress. In the embrace of quietude, our brain flourishes, unlocking creativity and clarity. When we finally cease our relentless striving, healing not only begins; it accelerates, transforming our very being.

If you find yourself in a season where there seems to be nothing left to “do” – banish any feelings of guilt! The Spirit could very well be beckoning you into a sacred stillness. Perhaps it’s time to cease stirring what God is allowing to settle. Embrace the beauty of letting love rest until the moment is ripe for action!

Journal Prompt:

• What part f your life do you feel pressure to stir up or fix?
• WHat would it look like to trust God’s pace there?

Practical Steps and Application:

1. Create a “sabbath moment” today – 15-30 minutes of no performance or productivity.
2. Take a short nap or nature walk as an act of spiritual rest.

Deeper Introspection:

¹⁵ For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said:
“You will be delivered by returning and resting;
your strength will lie in quiet confidence.
But you are not willing.”

Isaiah 30:15

Isaiah 30:15 offers a powerful and counter-intuitive message about finding strength through quietness and trust, rather than through frantic effort and self-reliance. The prophet Jeremiah delivered this message to a nation that was relying on its own plans for deliverance rather than resting in God’s promises. The following prompts use the verse as a guide to reflect on your own spiritual practices and reliance on God.

On repentance and returning to God

• The path of “returning”: The phrase “in returning and rest you shall be saved” speaks of repentance—turning away from self-reliant striving and turning back to God.
  • Journaling prompt: What is a specific situation in your life right now where you are trying to take control or solve a problem in your own strength? What would “returning” to God in this situation look like?
  • Scripture reference: Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
• The invitation to rest: The world often praises busyness and hard work, but Isaiah calls us to find rest as a path to salvation and strength.
  • Journaling prompt: In what areas are you pushing your emotional, physical, or spiritual limits? What fears are you holding that make it hard for you to stop and rest?
  • Scripture reference: Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

On quietness and trust as strength

• Embracing quietness: Isaiah contrasts God’s call to quietness with the people’s desire to “flee on horses”. True spiritual strength comes not from a flurry of activity but from a settled confidence in God.
  • Journaling prompt: In what areas of your life do you need to stop talking and start listening? Write a prayer asking God to quiet your anxious thoughts so you can hear his voice more clearly.
  • Scripture reference: Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
• Growing in trust: Trusting God is not a passive activity but a deliberate decision to rely on his character and promises, even when circumstances are uncertain.
  • Journaling prompt: When you look at the situations causing you stress, what “heart idols” are being exposed? Is it the need for a specific outcome, the approval of others, or fear of losing something? Confess these to God and write a declaration of trust in his ultimate control.
  • Scripture reference: Psalm 62:5-6, “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.”

On willingness and obedience

• The unwillingness to trust: Isaiah concludes this verse with a stark warning: “But you would have none of it.” The people rejected God’s offer of true salvation and strength, choosing instead to follow their own wisdom.
  • Journaling prompt: Reflect on past decisions where you ignored God’s gentle invitation to “return and rest.” What were the consequences of your self-reliance?
  • Scripture reference: James 4:6, “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”
• Choosing God’s way: Though the Israelites initially refused, the invitation remains open to us today.
  • Journaling prompt: Write a prayer of surrender, asking God for the humility and willingness to follow his way, even when it feels counterintuitive. What is one small step you can take today to move from striving to resting in his plan?
  • Scripture reference: Hebrews 4:9-11, which talks about entering God’s rest through faith and obedience.

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