Wait on the Lord

In these times of trouble, it often seems that we are living in a never-ending evil environment where every time you think it can’t get any worse, it does! Of course, we know this cannot go on forever and we must be patient and wait on the Lord, but at times we feel weary of this world. None of the things that are happening in the world are a surprise to God and although things look dire, He is using all of the evil things that are happening today to His own purpose. I have found myself not wanting to watch the mainstream news as it is hard to know from that what is true and what is not. I have also found it is hard to watch too much of the violence and horrible predictions that you can find from other sources. Of course, we must be aware and be prepared but I feel that often we give power to Satan when we continually spend time watching what he is doing instead of spending time with God and building ourselves up with courage to strengthen us for the times ahead.

I was recently listening to someone who quoted from Isa. 32 and I found this chapter quite interesting, looking forward to the coming reign of the righteous King. It speaks of the time when the eyes will open and the ears will hear and there will be knowledge and understanding and truth spoken. I believe we are approaching a turning point for this chapter to be accomplished with the Lord’s return coming soon. I am using the version from the NIV as I found it much easier to understand, “See, a king will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice. Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land. Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. The fearful heart will know and understand, and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear. No longer will the fool be called noble nor the scoundrel be highly respected. For fools speak folly, their hearts are bent on evil: They practice ungodliness and spread error concerning the LORD; the hungry they leave empty and from the thirsty they withhold water. Scoundrels use wicked methods, they make up evil schemes to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just. But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand … The fortress will be abandoned, the noisy city deserted; citadel and watchtower will become a wasteland forever, the delight of donkeys, a pasture for flocks, till the Spirit is poured on us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest. The LORD’s justice will dwell in the desert, his righteousness live in the fertile field. The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Though hail flattens the forest and the city is leveled completely, how blessed you will be, sowing your seed by every stream, and letting your cattle and donkeys range free.” (Isa. 32:1-8;14-20)

Although the times seem very uncertain at the time of writing this article, which is at the very end of April, there appears to be things happening in the background that hopefully mean God is giving us some hope that things are starting to be revealed. Satan is working very hard right now as he knows his time is short but in the end he will not win, we can be assured of that. In Psa. 27:4-5 it says, “one thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.” I have these verses underlined in my Bible and find them very reassuring. Our Lord will hide us in this time of trouble. He is the Rock on which we stand. Put on the full armour of God and we will get through this time of tribulation. The Lord knows our suffering and will help us if we keep trusting in Him and waiting on Him to complete His plan. It is all for His glory and He will not fail. Exciting times are ahead, our God is with us. Hallelujah!

“Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.” (Psa. 24:9-10)