14 JUNE
Wait patiently?
‘It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.’ Lamentations 3:26
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Isaiah 54:1–7
The truth of it is good. The word good may be understood in several senses.
First, it is reasonable, considering:
(i) the greatness of this salvation, which is such that you must allow, if the Lord was to suffer you to go on beset with tears and temptations to the last hour of life, if he showed you mercy at last you would have the utmost reason to praise him. You will say, ‘Oh, if I knew this’; but it is reasonable to wait, though you know it not at present, that you may know it hereafter.
(ii) that as a sinner you have no right to make terms. What an inconsistence is it, at one time to confess the Lord might justly send you to hell, and yet perhaps the next hour repine because he makes you wait a while for the blessing.
(iii) that this is, as I have observed, the Lord’s usual way. Search the Scripture: you will find it so. Ask his people who set about before you: they will tell you the same. Why should you expect he will change his methods for you? You want to be sure you are right and yet you are discouraged because you are led in that very path in which you see the footsteps of the flock before.
Secondly, it is profitable.
(i) It makes our waiting more pleasant to wait quietly and to maintain a hope upon the general promise, whereas to give way to another spirit lets in a storm upon the soul and opens a door to the worst temptations.
(ii) It is profitable to others, for they have the same exercises—if by your complaints you bring up an evil report of the good land, you lay a snare in the way of seekers and tempt the world to speak evil of your profession.
Thirdly, it is safe. It is good because those who thus hope and wait shall never be disappointed or ashamed. See such promises as Isaiah 54:7–8.
FOR MEDITATION: ‘I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry’ (Psalm 40:1).
SERMON: LAMENTATIONS 3:26 [3/3]
Milo 