HOPE AND PATIENCE
‘It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.’
The organ at Freiburg, one of the most beautiful in the world, after the storm has vented itself, breaks into an exquisitely sweet refrain, ‘The Song of the Cows’; and in this portion of his Lamentations, the prophet breaks forth into one of the most lovely passages in the Bible, each clause of which is well worthy of prayerful heed. To all who are passing through times of anxiety, to those who are nervously awaiting cablegram or letter, to any to whom this day is one of fateful importance because it will bring the verdict of the physician or the results of the examination, we would reiterate the prophet’s advice.
I. It is good, because anxiety is useless.—It only wastes the nervous tissue, hinders quiet sleep, and unfits for the hour when decision and action will be required. How often, after days and hours of fearful suspense, during which we have conjured up the worst possible explanations or anticipations, we have discovered that none of them were true, and that all our forebodings were groundless. Anxiety kills; it is good to hope and wait and trust.
II. It is good, because we have a good God, Who is working for us.—‘The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him.’ He is behind the scenes, bringing up reinforcements, making all things work together for good, and working for those who wait for Him. He is doing better for you than the tenderest or wisest friend.
III. It is good, because the calm, strong heart inspires confidence.—If you are perturbed and flurried, you will spread a nervous dread in those who surround you and see your careworn looks. Cast your burden on the Lord, leave it with Him, anoint your head with the oil of joy, and come out to be a Greatheart to Mr. Fearing and Miss Much-afraid.
Illustration
‘The little herb Patience does not grow in everybody’s garden. But we are admonished to seek it, because (1) it is a very precious virtue, and a part of the service we owe to God, according to the first table. (2) It contains in itself another virtue, namely, hope in God. (3) It is easier for us to practise it, if we accustom ourselves to it from our youth. (4) It can overcome many wrongs, abuses, and outrages. (5) Misfortune will not continue for ever (Isaiah 54:7). (6) At all events, the end will be favourable. (7) God does not willingly afflict us (from His heart), but always designs something different and better for us, and dearly wishes that He might not punish us at all (Hosea 11:9).’