Essex Congregational Remembrancer Isaiah 26:8 Yes, in the way of your judgments, O LORD, have we waited for you; the desire of our soul is to your name… I. IN EVERY AFFLICTIVE DISPENSATION OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE IT BECOMES US TO RECOGNISE THE HAND OF THE LORD. They are "Thy" judgments. In doing this we imitate the example of the wise and good in every age. II. EVERY CALAMITY, WHETHER PRIVATE OR PUBLIC, SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A MANIFESTATION OF THE DIVINE DISPLEASURE AGAINST SIN. They are Thy "judgments." III. IN EVERY CALAMITY THE MIND OF THE BELIEVER SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO GOD. "The desire of our soul is to Thy name, and to the remembrance of Thee." 1. This part of the passage expresses the most anxious solicitude that the Divine glory might be promoted by all the dispensations of His providence towards the children of men. 2. This part of our text seems to intimate also to whom the afflicted believer should apply for support. "The desire of our soul is to Thy name, and to the remembrance of Thee." 3. This part of our text exhibits the believer finding a source of encouragement under present trouble, or in the anticipation of future difficulties, in a reference to his former experience of the power, the faithfulness and grace of his covenant God. "The desire of our soul is to the remembrance of Thee." IV. IN CIRCUMSTANCES OF AFFLICTION, WHETHER PRIVATE OR PUBLIC, IT IS THE DUTY AND PRIVILEGE OF THE BELIEVER TO BE FOUND WAITING UPON GOD. "In the way of Thy judgments have we waited for Thee, O God." The verb "to wait," as used in the text, denotes desire, expectation, patience, and perseverance. Learn — 1. That it is an evil thing and bitter to sin against God. 2. The infinite value of that system, which opens the way for the sinful creature to return to God, with the certain hope of being pardoned, adopted, and eternally blessed. 3. Let the sinner he exhorted to seek that Divine blessing which turns the curse into a blessing. 4. Let the believer labour to live in the exercise of the high and glorious privilege — waiting on God. (Essex Congregational Remembrancer.) Parallel Verses KJV: Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. |
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