01/06/2021
Do we wait upon the Lord? Do we long for Him to come, to rescue us, or for His provision? We should wait, but how intense is our desire for Him as we do so? Think of a time when you waited on something to occur, and not just for gifts on Christmas morning, but something that would bring relief to you in a time of trouble, suffering, or desperate need. Now think about God... did your remembrance involve praying, or trusting in Him? Have you ever waited on Him like that?
“my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.”
Psalm 130:6 ESV
When I was a boy I liked to go camping, and as a boy scout I would camp all year round. I recall a couple of occasions when the seasons would be changing, and a cold front would move in, catching me unprepared. I would have brought cold weather clothing and sleeping gear had I known, but the temperature dropped suddenly, and dangerously low. During the day it was uncomfortable, but at night it became unbearable, and dangerous. I would shiver uncontrollably in my sleeping bag, and check my wristwatch over and over again as I waited for Dawn to arrive. I would pray for sunrise, and make frequent trips to my campfire to stave off hypothermia, and frostbite. When at last the sun did rise everything around me would be covered in a deep frost, and I would thank the Lord for being there with me, for the warmth of the rising sun, and for seeing me through the night.
Each time I read today’s verse from Psalm 130 I am reminded of those camping trips, and the bitter cold. I remember how long the night seemed to last, and how fervently I would pray for sunrise. I remember curling up into a tight ball in my sleeping bag, and calling out to Jesus from between clinched teeth. I became a watchman, and like them, I waited in desperation for the morning. It seems that when we wait on God in the fear and terror of our nights, whether from an enemy, or the cold, we find righteousness increases in our cries for His rescue and protection.
“My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.”
Isaiah 26:9 ESV
I asked you to recall a time when you waited on relief, and if it involved praying and trusting in God. What was your response to that? Even those who say they don’t believe turn to God when they are desperately lost, or out of options. You tell me now that you don’t believe in Him, but in that terrible moment, did your thoughts turn to the Lord? Did you confess your disbelief and ask His forgiveness? If so were you comforted, and did you find solace in His being there with you?
“But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.”
Micah 7:7 ESV
So what happened that He should come to you in your time of need, and you have since abandoned Him once again? Was your night not long enough, or did the dark one convince you that you were saved by your own hand? Think back on that moment when your waiting was rewarded, and the calm He brought to you... He awaits you even now!
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
1 Peter 5:6-8 ESV
When we wait upon the Lord He comes. He is patient with us too, and listens for our prayers. He causes the sun to rise, and warmth to return when we suffer through freezing nights. So when He teaches us righteousness in our desperate times, and through our pleading prayers, hold tight to them, and trust in His goodness... not just in our desperation, but forevermore. The salvation God brings us in our darkest night, becomes radiant in the light of day. Come Lord Jesus.
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””
John 8:12 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the faithfulness we find in you as you fulfill your promises. Thank you for those times when we wait upon you in the terror of our nights, like a watchman for the morning, and you thrill us in your coming. Help us Father to hold tight to the righteousness of our desperate prayers when your answer has come, bringing the dawn, and causing our troubles to subside. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who leads the sinner to righteous prayer, and waits at his door for his confession, contrition, and glorious amen. Praised be your name for the light of your Son Jesus Christ that you have brought to shine into our darkest moments. Bless us Holy Father as we wait upon you, trusting in your Son, and longing for your certain provision... even when the darkness seems to be closing about us, and the enemy is at our gate. You are Merciful Lord, and your grace abounds. You forgive us, and hear even our weakest of prayers lifted up from the darkness of our desperation. You answer them as if they were offered by the most righteous, and holy. Lord we thank you for your forgiveness, for the strength of faith in our times of waiting, and for washing us in the redeeming blood of Jesus. We worship you, and pray that you will seat us at your table, made worthy in Christ alone.
Rich Forbes