wet paint

I'm doing a personal study through Isaiah right now - it started a few months ago when I was directed to Isaiah 42 or so and couldn't get enough of it - and yesterday I found a few things that really made me say "wow."
Isaiah 30:15 "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 30:18 "Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the Lord is a just God. Happy are all who wait patiently for Him."

This particular passage is speaking to Israel concerning their desire to 'labor' in the shadow of Egypt...thinking they would find peace there. In applying it to us, it is God's chosen people trying to find peace in something other than Adonai! We are outsiders here...not to be found at home on this earth. Our strength doesn't lie in elaborate displays of strength - like the Roman Empire's constant hunger to conquer and destroy - or in great riches stored up or even in self-proclamation...our strengh, our peace, our deliverance from the enemies (and even from OURSELVES) comes in quiet confidence. True confidence need not be screamed or told. True confidence simply exists and others will see.
True FAITH and trust in Adonai is not elaborate or showy either...it simply exists, and whispers to those with whom you come in contact.
The silly thing is we try so hard to make sure that we're screaming...when God calls for quiet confidence in Him..HE is displaying patience by waiting for us to realize that He wants to be merciful to us. He is just and has everything cared for...our attempts to fix, correct, and manage our lives (and all around us) are like dressing up in Superman's costume with the thought that those clothes contain the power.
He asks for us to wait patiently for Him to act in our lives. Sometimes He will say to us "go" or "move" or "do" ... and we have to follow accordingly. I know sometimes I say "I just don't see how this can happen" and try to do something extraordinary to make it happen. I forget that God is in control..He is. I am not.
Wait patiently...do not be idle, do not be lazy...but wait. breathe. work. worship. glorify. wait.