“For the Lord has told me this: “I will watch quietly from my dwelling place— as quietly as the heat rises on a summer day, or as the morning dew forms during the harvest.” (Isaiah 18:4 NLT)

If we sense God is telling us something, it’s wise to focus on what He says. But Isaiah 18, describes how He responded to Israel when they were in danger and distress.

God can move swiftly or slowly and overcome any foe. But in this case, He watched quietly. At first, it seemed like a puzzling thing for Him to do. I always want His watch to quickly turn into His way to fend off any threats around me. But His watching does not mean He is inactive.

“Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps”
(Psalm 121:4 NLT).

He doesn’t sleep as He watches over us either.

“But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love” (Psalm 33:18 NLT).

In Isaiah 18, from His dwelling place, He watched “as quietly as the heat rises on a summer day or as the morning dew forms during the harvest.” The images of the heat and the dew grab my attention.

As I weather the heat of the Carolinas, the word “quietly” is far from my mind. “Sweltering and lingering heat” are the words I would use. The temperature rises to the soundtrack of noisy cicadas and other insects. It feels like the warmth signals them to turn up the volume in the ritual of their rhythms.

But the noise reminds me of an all too familiar reaction.

If I’m not careful, I’ll give more attention to the volume of distractions or discouragement than I give to my need to rest in the faithfulness of God.

Maybe this happens to you too or perhaps your focus on Him never grows dim. Either way, joy to our soul can come from knowing God meets us where we are. As we come to Him through Christ, we can dwell where He is. (Ephesians 2:17-22)

The remaining verses of Isaiah 18 and beyond, show how He powerfully delivers those who rely on His unfailing love.

Not only does He watch over us, He also watches over His Word to fulfill every promise He has made.

From His dwelling place, God knows the best way to strengthen and position us to experience His glory. But from my perspective, the sweltering heat of lingering circumstances can cause me to grow weary.

And yet, when I listen to the Great whisper in the great outdoors (or indoors), I grow closer to God. Quietness and stillness are familiar themes in Scripture. They are contemplative ways for us to enjoy God’s presence and rest in His power. (see Isaiah 30:15 and Psalm 46:10)

Going outside for a walk, spending time on a porch or pausing during yardwork affords us the opportunity to watch for and listen to the ways God speaks to us. Not only does He watch “as quietly as the heat rises,” He also watches as quietly “…as the morning dew forms during the harvest” (Isaiah 18:4 NLT).

But dew only forms under certain conditions — when a warm, clear day is followed by a cool, clear evening. Heavier dew occurs when the wind is light, like a whisper.

In the heat of the day or on cool summer nights, may we experience the heavy dew of God’s Presence. May His grace and truth clear up any confusion. Silence every distraction. Dispel every fear. For God is watching over us, fighting for us and calling us by name. May we lean into His whisper.

This post is part of the "Joy to the Soul Summer" series. Each post has reflections on the season and scriptural inspirations to encourage your faith. Sign up to receive updates. Also, share this series with a friend and encourage their faith too! Read more from the series here.