One of our daily privileges is to look to the Lord for respite, rest, renewal and rejuvenation each day. And the result is rejoicing in Him because “although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” 2 Cor. 4:16 ESV It is fascinating how so often in the midst of a dilemma, a problem, or a trial, God gives us rest and renewal. We can take a deep breath before going on.
Sometimes A Light surprises the Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord who rises with healing in His wings:
When comforts are declining, He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining, To cheer it after rain.
God does this daily. I notice it often and remember so well how Minnie and I were refreshed on those last steep hills on her journey home. We often had to “come apart and rest awhile,” but God renewed us daily—and He still does. Where does that “Light” that “surprises” you come from? God meets with us in His Word! How often we read our Bible and see how glorious the old truths are and how they grip our hearts. It’s the Light of the illumination of the Holy Spirit exalting Jesus the Light of the world.
But this wonderful hymn says the “surprise” reminder comes “while he sings.” Aye, and that’s so true as we sing to one another and to the Lord in “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” That’s because we are singing scriptural truths and God has put a new song in our hearts, even praise unto the Lord our God. Why is it “new”? It’s always new because it’s fresh and illumined by the Presence of God Himself who is always “there” (or shall we say “here.”)
Think of the rain and how the “season of clear shining” follows that long rain. Or how the spring follows the winter. Or how the morning light follows the dark midnight. Or how joy comes in the morning after a long night.
In holy contemplation we sweetly then pursue The theme of God's salvation, And find it ever new;
Set free from present sorrow, We cheerfully can say, Let the unknown tomorrow Bring with it what it may.
It can bring with it nothing But He will bear us through: Who gives the lilies clothing Will clothe His people too:
Beneath the spreading heavens No creature but is fed; And He who feeds the ravens Will give His children bread.
Though vine nor fig tree neither Their wanted fruit should bear, Though all the fields should wither, Nor flocks nor herds be there:
Yet, God the same abiding, His praise shall tune my voice: For, while in Him confiding, I cannot but rejoice.
--William Cowper, alt. From “A Quiet Heart,” Soundforth Singers
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:7
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