They shall not be ashamed that wait for me. - Isaiah 49:23

Waiting for the Lord, supposes that we want Him to do something for us, bestow something on us, or fill some relation to us. It implies that we have sought Him, that He has promised, but that He delays to answer our request. It proves that no substitute can be found.

This promise SUGGESTS that there may be fears, lest He should not come; lest after all we should be disappointed. This supposes, that there may be temptations to distrust the love, faithfulness, and goodness of God; to think they shall be ashamed of having sought, believed, or expected that the Lord would appear. But this precious promise SECURES the waiting soul from shame, disappointment, and confusion; it ASSURES us that the Lord will appear, answer, and bless in His own time, and in His own way.

Are you tempted? - wait for the Lord. Are you afflicted? - wait upon God. Are you sorely tried? - wait patiently for the Lord; He will not suffer you to be ashamed. Abraham waited, and received the promise. Joseph waited, and was raised to honour. David waited, and had all his desire.

Affliction is a stormy deep, Where wave resounds to wave; Though o'er my head the billows roll, I know the Lord can save : I'll wait, and bow beneath the rod; My hope, my confidence is God.