Greetings again my Brethren. Let us continue to look at the remaining two points as we look at the need for waiting on God. The last two points of what is to be observed when we wait on God seem to be more personal in nature. God’s blessings are always personal when they are accomplished even though they may start from a collective place. Our wondrous salvation through Christ Jesus was done for all, God wishes none to be lost no not one, but when it is settled in our heart it is has a rich personal application. His death was for all, but ends in individual salvation. In Proverbs we see there is a promised blessedness for those who wait for him.
Solomon tells us, “Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.” (Proverbs 8:34-35) We are “blessed” if we daily (not monthly or yearly) hear at His “gates.” There is a personal application of happiness, grace, mercy, wisdom, understanding from God that can be applied to the man who hears, watches, and waits. Now the “gates” are not doors or something made of iron as we think of in a castle, but is Strong’s #1872G, but comes from Strong’s #1802G means figurative to draw out, deliver, lift up, and enough. In Proverbs 23:7 we read, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.” (Proverbs 23:7) The “as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” is translated as a gate swings wide opens. Here the “gate” is a place of decision behind our heart, as with one of the 12 gates that would give entrance into the City of Jerusalem. This gate was called the Gate of Decision where business, commerce, and the affairs of the temple and community were transacted. This also was where Absalom stood by to influence people to over throw his father King David, “And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.” 2 Samuel 15:2) But whatsoever we allow behind the gate of our heart we will be that. As whatsoever decisions we made in our lives we will become those and if we make the decision to wait on the LORD then we shall receive the blessings of happiness, grace, mercy, wisdom, understanding as promised by God. And His promises are true and amen. The last of four (but second this month) is that this blessedness awaits everyone without exception. Isaiah helps us with this very well known Scripture. “And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.” (Isaiah 30:18) Isaiah starts off by reassuring us if we wait on the LORD he will wait on us. The “therefore” means because of what has already been said, this will happen. Because of this then this will happen. It is a cause and effect relationship, this and then this. Everything we get from God has this relationship attached. If you do this I will bless you, but if you do this I will curse you. Did you know salvation is NOT for everyone? Even though God wishes no one to be lost no not one many and not a few will be lost. Salvation is for only those who accept Jesus Christ as their savior. A this then relationship. Here, “therefore will the LORD wait,” (this) and the (then) “blessed are all they that wait for him.” My friend God will NOT wait on those who do not wait on Him. Also here beyond the personal blessing is much more. The next promise for those who wait on Him is “that he may be gracious unto you,” What is the value of God’s graciousness in our lives? Can words tell of His excellence of graciousness in our lives as we encounter problems, situations, and circumstances beyond our control? Oh I know often we (maybe it is just me) try to do it before we entreat God to join in our struggles, but God is there not waiting to do it for us oh no that is a selfish perspective where God does all of the work and we get the credit. God is there to advise and assist being gracious to us as we plod the field of life together, but it is our hands and back bearing the plow. Not only is God gracious, but he is merciful, “and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you:” Wow grace and mercy from God if we learn to wait on Him who could ask for more? But there is more, “for the LORD is a God of judgment:” God is a God of judgment!
All of the mercy and grace we receive from God comes out of His judgment. How will God know how much mercy and grace to give us? Do we always get all of His mercy and grace? No my friend. God knows. He knows our heart and He is gracious to those who wait on Him. It is not some cookie cutter model do this and God gives you this amount of grace and mercy oh no. God looks at our heart, He judges our intents and motives then applies His grace and mercy according to our heart condition based on our love for Him.
Next month we will begin to look at why God waits in His response to man. Do you have time? Will you make time? If you make time for God please know He will make time for you.
