June 18
GOD HIMSELF SHALL WORK
"Now will I rise, saith the Lord; now will I be exalted; now will I
lift up myself" Isa. 33:10
When the spoilers had made the land as waste as if devoured by
locusts, and the warriors who had defended the country sat down and
wept like women, then the Lord came to the rescue. When travelers
ceased from the roads to Zion, and Bashan and Carmel were as vineyards
from which the fruit has failed, then the Lord arose. God is exalted
in the midst of an afflicted people, for they seek His face and trust
Him. He is still more exalted when in answer to their cries He lifts
up Himself to deliver them and overthrow their enemies.
Is it a day of sorrow with us? Let us expect to see the Lord
glorified in our deliverance. Are we drawn out in fervent prayer? Do
we cry day and night unto Him? Then the set time for His grace is
near. God will lift up Himself at the right season. He will arise when
it will be most for the display of His glory. We wish for His glory
more than we long for our own deliverance. Let the Lord be exalted,
and our chief desire is obtained.
Lord, help us in such a way that we may see that thou thyself art
working. May we magnify thee in our inmost souls. Make all around us
to see how good and great a God thou art.