TDR: 27 July (Isaiah 8:17)

‘I will wait upon the Lord’ (Isaiah 8:17)

The Lord had concealed His face, His favour could not be discovered, rather marks of displeasure appeared. Yet the Church determines not to despond or yield to fear, but to wait upon the Lord, who was hiding Himself from the house of Israel. They needed to keep looking for Him.

It is a great trial to a real believer for their God to hide His face; but still it is their privilege to wait each day at His gates, and to watch at the posts 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 prayer 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 most appropriate time to be gracious, and we should wait His time to be comforted or delivered.

Wait on the Lord and KEEP HIS WAY. Wait as a servant for their master’s return; as a child for their father’s blessing; as a bride for the tokens of her Bridegroom’s love. He says, “Behold, I come quickly; blessed is the one who keeps watch”.

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.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘Trials multiply without, and we live in strange times. Thrones totter. Monarchs fall. All Europe appears convulsed. Trade is in a very sad state. The poorer classes have very little employment. The churches are in a low condition’.