Waiting on the Lord in Desertion and Gloom.
viii. 17. And I will wait upon the Lord, &c.
I. The characteristic appellation of Jehovah. “The God who hideth Himself.”[1] II. The implied mysteriousness of His dealings with His people. It is not merely from Babylon or Egypt, from Tyre or Nineveh, that He hides His face, but from “the house of Jacob.” 1. The persons referred to may be regarded as typical of the Church. Though descended from Abraham, they were called “the house of Jacob,” to denote that they were a chosen people—a praying people (this at least was true of the best men among them)—a people in whom God delighted. 2. With these persons He dealt in a manner contrary to what we should have expected. Looking only at the relation in which He stood to them, we should have expected that the light of His countenance would have gladdened them continually. Yet He hid Himself; and He frequently hides Himself not only from the world, but from the Church; not only from the wicked man, but from the believer. Yet here is a difference: in the one case it is total and constant, in the other it is but partial and temporary. In the one case it is in anger, in the other it is in love (Rev. iii. 19). 3. The modes in which He hides Himself. (1) In the cloud of providential darkness—affliction, bereavement, &c. (Isa. l. 10) (2) In the withholding of the conscious enjoyment of religion (Job xv. 11; xxii. 2).[2] III. The resolve of the believer under this visitation. In nothing does the grace of God shine more unmistakably than in the way in which the Christian bears trouble. “Behold, this evil is of the Lord; why should I wait for the Lord any longer?” said a wicked man of old; but “I will look unto the Lord, and will wait for Him,” is the prophet’s resolve. 1. As to looking for Him. (1.) For whom do we look? For our God—our Father—our Friend—our Deliverer. (2.) Where shall we look for Him? He is near, though concealed. Then look for Him in Christ, in whom He is reconciling the world unto Himself, in whom He is well pleased even with us. Look for Him in His promises—in His ordinances—in your closet. (3.) How shall we look for him? With faith—zeal—energy—determination (Job xxxv. 10; Jer. xxix. 13). 2. As to waiting for Him. This is a state of mind frequently enjoined and commended in the Bible. Waiting implies faith—desire—patience (P. D. 2643). When you have found Him, fall at His feet and confess your unworthiness. Resolve to follow Him fully. Cleave to Him with purpose of heart. Pray, “Abide with me!”—George Smith, D.D.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] For details and suggestions under this division, see outline: The Concealment of God, chap. xlv. 15.
[2] For various suggestions and illustrations, see H. E. I. 200, 1644–1659, and P. D. 815.