Monday, August 25, 2008

Which is it?

Still, small voice of God, or blaring megaphone? I'm not sure which at the moment. Have you ever been reading through your Bible, and you see a verse that stood out to you in a new way? You think, I know I have read that before because I have read all of Psalms 42 times (what can I say, it's my favorite...though 42 might be a stretch), or Matthew or Romans or whatever. I know that I know that I know that I have read this verse at some point in my life. Maybe it didn't speak to me then. Maybe I wasn't ready. Maybe I am now.

Or am I?

In the last week, I have seen this verse at least four different times in four different sources. Here it is.

Isaiah 30:15
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
"In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it."

It was in our Sunday School material last week. It was....okay, for some reason I CANNOT get this out of italics, so just stick with me....it was in Captivating, which I just finished reading last night. It was in a magazine I read. It was in the Stuff Christians Like blog, which is usually about saving seats in church or giving your kids too many goldfish in the nursery.

Everywhere I look this week, I see this verse. I imagine I have read it a time or two in my believing days. So there must be something more. God is either speaking to me in His sweet, still, small voice, or He is putting a scrolling marquee sign in my face that will keep playing and playing until I sit and meditate.

So, that is what I am going to do. Meditate on this verse. I'd like to say I have figured out what God is teaching me here. I like what the Stuff Christians Like guy had to say about it, but that is what God was teaching HIM. I think I am drawn to the part about quietness and trust, but actually, I think God may be teaching me about my salvation right now. Teaching me to be secure in Him and who He sees me as.

But enough pondering for now. This may take a while, because I do not think it is random that God wanted me to see this verse in four different places this last week. I do not think it is random that the verse ends in "But you would have none of it." Because if I ignore this verse and what I am supposed to learn right now, I would be having none of it. I want all of it, though...whatever it is. The quietness. The trust. The repentance. The rest. I want all of it.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think he's absolutely trying to speak to you. I believe you're right in trying to meditate and listen. Maybe if you get up early in the morning . . . . . I just couldn't resist Imogene! :) Seriously, go lock yourself in the bathroom (to assure private time) and pray for Him to silent your mind and open your heart. He tells us if we ask for wisdom, He will give it. Just ask my friend. I think this falls in line with the SS lesson too in that you're hungering for Him - just don't wait too long or He may send the JW's back after you. I don't know if we can handle another episode of that. :) Love ya!

Unknown said...

Looks like Amy has JWs pursuing her too. I have some very sweet black elderly ladies that call on me once a month. I keep telling them I have a Bible and will read the story of the month from there :) They still insist that they must come see me for a few moments each month. They like Kolt... when he had his cast on, one of them told him he needed to "stop dancing with elephants"... What the what? Anyway,... meditation... yep. That sounds like a good plan. Its not a coincidence you have seen that verse 4 times in one week. There is a reason and to have no part of it would be sad. Hoping He teaches you a truth about Himself this week!

nickmal said...

If God brings you to it, God will bring you through it, so give thanks with a grateful heart...because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son. Seeds of discouragement cannot grow in the heart of a thankful person ;)