‘Wait for the LORD, and He will deliver you’ (Proverbs 20:22)

Dear friends, it is your privilege in every perplexity and trial to go to the Lord, to spread your case before Him, to plead His precious promises, and to wait expecting Him to appear for you.

Wait on Him for light to discover the nature and design of your trouble; for wisdom that you may act honourably, and endure scripturally; for power to sustain you under it, and bring you through; and for consolation to make you happy and resigned under the trials you are passing.

Wait upon the Lord in earnest, simple, persevering prayer; in searching, reading and meditating upon His holy word; in self-examination as to your views, motives and designs. Wait upon the Lord, believing that He will fulfil His word, answer your prayers, and send you deliverance; patiently enduring until He shall appear on your behalf.

Waiting on the Lord, you engage Him on your side; you put His mercy and faithfulness to the trial; you are assured your strength shall be renewed; and God has promised that you shall not be ashamed. Dear friends, let us look to, trust in, and wait upon our God continually.

Oh, teach me, Lord, to wait thy will,
To be content with all thou dost;
For me thy grace sufficient still,
With most supplied when needing most:
O Saviour, give me grace to wait,
And daily watch before thy gate.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘I preach and print constantly, hoping to do good by both. I still ardently long, and earnestly pray to be made a useful and devoted minister, a holy and exemplary Christian. My God is daily manifesting his goodness to me, and never was I surrounded with more mercies than now. Still I have my trials, and my depraved nature kicks against the cross as much as ever’.