We are all restless by nature. Driven, perhaps even obsessed, with self-saving, trying to rescue ourselves through sweaty and relentless striving. It seeks its own relief. But what if the very act of striving leads us away from God? Our verse presents a striking contrast between God’s reasoning and man’s refusal: “In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.”
The core issue is misplaced confidence. Like Israel, we tend to put our trust in our own wisdom. The context of this passage is a nation relying on political and military might, rather than in the Lord’s provision. And if we are honest, we are guilty of the same. We may not be running to Egypt for horses, but we run to all sorts of things that give us a false strength.
“In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.”
God’s words here are radical, and radical because they’re counterintuitive. Not by going and doing…but by returning and resting. The Hebrew word essentially means “to turn from, unto.” The flurry of human effort brings no help. But the soul willing to admit its weakness will find it. Sounds Pauline to me. This is good for a nation to hear, and also a soul. Do not mistake rest for inactivity. Resting in God is a deliberate convalescing into the hands of the Almighty Sovereign. It is the repose of trust, of faith, the laying down of all tools and arms, the ceasing of all our efforts.
In a world that honors the path of the bold and brave, God offers a road less traveled: “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” Quietness is the opposite of the anxious, restless heart. It is the heart stilled by the knowledge that God reigns over all, including my life. Confidence is in the character and promises of the Holy One of Israel. The soul that finds itself there, will experience confidence in the LORD’s immovability, trading the fragile coverts of Egypt, for the unshakable Rock of ages.
Yet, the most haunting part of this verse are its last four words: “and ye would not.” How often is true help cast aside by my refusal and unbelief? How often do I search my Egyptian ways, while passing by the very strength that could be mine.
The question for us is this: Will we return to Him (Time and again)? Will we lay down our suborn self-sufficiencies? Take hold of the offer of His strength, dear soul. It is His strength! What better strength is there?
If we venture out alone, we are in trouble. But if we will return, we will find all help, because in returning and resting in Christ, we will be saved, either in or through, all our trouble. Both for time, and eternity.