“Blessed be the LORD who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant. The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers.1
These words were spoken by Solomon. With confidence and authority he declared that not one word of all God’s good promise failed; he knew for he was a beneficiary of such a promise. But there was a time that the LORD had not given the people a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear.2 They were like sheep without a shepherd. Our time is different; we have God’s Word to guide us. Yes, the secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of the law.3 Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the LORD our God, walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments.4
Bear this in mind, and therefore have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness, “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”5
Thus, be still and know that the LORD is God.6 And wait—an active, eager anticipation. The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.7 The literal Hebrew word for wait, qavah, meant to twist, bind or coil together like strands in a rope. This implies entwining our life and strength with God.8
We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.9
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let our foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.10
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.11
Notes:
1. 1 Kings 8:56-57
2. Deuteronomy 29:4
3. Deuteronomy 29:29
4. 1 Kings 8:61
5. Lamentations 3:21-24
6. Psalm 46:10-11
7. Lamentations 3:25-26
8. Google.com, the meaning of Qavah
9. Psalm 75:1
10. Psalm 121:1-8
11. Philippians 4:19-20
