I discovered the first part of Isaiah 30:15 early this summer:

“For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”

I loved it.  It was just for me during those first hectic months of residency when my body grew tired and my emotions wore thin.  I would lay down at night and seek stillness and quietness, and find strength in those words.  They were mine.

And then my world tilted a little more on its side, and I went running back to this verse and discovered the rest of the chapter:

“For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not,” (Isa 30:15)

You would not???

“And you said, “No, for we will flee on horses”— Therefore you shall flee! And, “We will ride on swift horses”— Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift!” (Isa 30:16)

“One thousand shall flee at the threat of one, At the threat of five you shall flee, Till you are left as a pole on top of a mountain And as a banner on a hill.” (Isa 30:17)

“Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him.” (Isa 30:18)

“For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem; You shall weep no more. He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry; When He hears it, He will answer you.” (Isa 30:19)

“And though the Lord gives you The bread of adversity and the water of affliction, Yet your teachers will not be moved into a corner anymore, But your eyes shall see your teachers.” (Isa 30:20)

“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.” (Isa 30:21)

These verses make me think of the truth speakers in my life. 

My parents.  My mentors.  My sisters.  My best friends. 

The ones who know me and love me and are willing to speak up and speak truth into my life. 

The Word of God speaking to me.  The spirit of God guiding me.  My pastor. 

The chapter of Isaiah 30 is a story of God offering the children of Israel his way — offering them return and rest and salvation — but they would not.  Those chose to try to figure things out on their own.  To go their own way.  They ignored God’s plan and thought they had a better idea of how things should go.  Things go badly.  And finally, they realize the error of their ways and God is gracious to them.  Finally they are able to hear their teachers.  Finally, they have open ears to hear the voice that has been there all along, telling them the way to go.

I hope you all have truth speakers in your life too.

But most of all, I hope you have ears to hear them.