I WILL WAIT UPON THE LORD.

July 27

Isaiah 8:17 

And I will wait upon the LORD, 

that hideth his face from the house 

of Jacob, and I will look for him. 

The Lord had concealed His face, His favour could not be discovered, but marks of displeasure appeared; yet the church determines not to despond or yield to fear, but to wait upon the Lord who is hiding Himself from the house of Israel, and to look for Him.

It is a great trial to a real believer for his God to hide His face; but it is still his privilege to wait daily at His gates, and to watch at the post of His doors, persuaded that He will turn again, and display His forgiving love.

We must not give up hope, nor abandon the Lord’s ways, nor restrain praying before Him; but we must wait in faith, believing His word; in expectation, trusting His faithfulness.

Nothing should be allowed to weaken our faith in God’s word; or drive our souls from His throne.

He waits for the fittest time to be gracious, and we should wait His time to be comforted, or delivered.

Wait on the Lord and KEEP HIS WAYS.

Wait as a servant for his master’s return;

as a child for his father’s blessing;

as a bride for the tokens of her bridegroom’s love.

He says, “Behold, I come quickly; blessed is he that watcheth.“

A waiting posture is a blessed posture

Still nigh me, O my Saviour, stand,

And guard in fierce temptation’s hour;

Hide in the hollow of thy hand,

Show forth in me thy saving power;

Still be thine arm my sure defence

Nor earth nor Hell shall pluck me thence.

James Smith