WAIT, I SAY, UPON THE LORD

The thoughtful reader will observe a contrast between the first and second parts of this psalm. In vv. 1-6, David is brimful of confidence, whereas in vv. 7-13 he is in a different mood, namely, one of anxiety, in which he appeals to God for help. In the first part, he could face all forces arrayed against him without fear, because of confidence in his God. In the second part, he fears being forsaken, v. 9, and the falseness and cruelty of his enemies, v. 12. The final verse, however, indicates a return again to confidence.

David, being human, was subject to contrasting moods— delight and assurance at one time; depression and care at another. We are no exceptions to this natural weakness. We get our mountain top and also our valley experiences. Paul knew what it was to be “cast down”, and to have fears within, 2 Cor. 4. 9; 7. 5. Yet he exhorts us to “Rejoice in the Lord alway”, Phil. 4. 4. Elijah was a man subject to like passions as ourselves. His prayer brought drought for three and a half years, yet he also fled from the threats of Jezebel, and sank into despondency, James 5. 17, 18; 1 Kings 19. 2-4. The Lord Himself, in His real and sinless humanity, knew times of joy and of sadness. Coming from the deep sorrows of the garden, He nevertheless faced His enemies with calmness and confidence, knowing that His hour had arrived.

David’s confidence sprang from knowing God as his “light”, “salvation”, and “strength” or “stronghold”, v. 1. He speaks of his darkness having been lightened, Psa. 18. 28; 2 Sam. 22. 29. In the many situations of danger that he encountered, he also proved that God was his salvation and stronghold, 2 Sam. 22. 36, 47; Isa. 37. 39.

The Lord Jesus has become these things to us in a far more wonderful way. He is our Light, John 8. 12; our Salvation, Luke 2. 30; and our Refuge, Heb. 6. 18-20.

Like David, we too may have our dejected spirits lifted and our confidence restored, by waiting upon the Lord, v. 14; Isa. 40. 31. Moses, when confronted with the Red Sea ahead and pursued by the Egyptians behind, said, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord”, Exod. 14. 13.

“If God be for us, who can be against us?”, Rom. 8. 31.