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There is no word which the worshippers of God need to have whispered to their hearts more frequently than this, "Trust thou in Him." We are in a world, and under a system of events, wonderfully adapted to try our faith.

I. IF WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD, WE MIGHT INFER THAT FAITH IS EMINENTLY PLEASING. There is in Scripture no list of those who distinguished themselves for zeal, or humility, or hope; but the eleventh of Hebrews emblazons the names of men and women who through faith did marvellous things. Faith is the crowning glory of the Christian character.

II. A PRINCIPAL DESIGN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT IS TO TEACH US FAITH. A wonderful illustration in connection with the text. God meant to teach mankind by this book, that the great business of man in this world is to trust God. "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly."

III. THE COUNSEL OF ELIHU IN THE TEXT IS PROFITABLE TO A SINKING HEART. The meaning is, "Although you say you will never see Him appear for you, yet He will exercise judgment when to do so; therefore trust thou in Him." There are times, when a dark providence has settled down like a cloud on our prospects. Something has happened which is the very worst thing which it seems to us God could have chosen wherewith to afflict us. There is no explanation, no mitigation, no cheerful outlook. Friends are mistaken if they tell us not to weep. Nature finds comfort in cries, groans, tears. There is no use in argument, we say, God was my friend once, now He has set me up as His mark. To such afflicted souls: the Word of God says, "Although thou sayest thou shalt not see Him, yet, judgment is before Him." You think that you will never see His design to accomplish good in you and by you in this affliction. It seems to you without plan, confused, reckless. But judgment is for Him, whenever a child of His suffers; the arrow that pierces us wounds His heart ere it reaches ours.

IV. OUR DUTY IN DARK HOURS IS HERE MADE PLAIN. "Therefore trust in Him." This is done by special heartfelt address to God by word of mouth. To rise and go upon our knees, implies a serious determination to seek God, and the act of framing our speech, shows that we are in earnest. Having committed our prayer to God, declaring our trust in Him, we must show our sincerity by a quietness of mind which, be it remembered, is not inconsistent with importunity. We should never abandon ourselves to grief in the darkest hours. God takes pleasure in those who, against hope, believe in hope, taking part with God by insisting that He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. Did We but know it, God is wooing those whom He is afflicting. "He scourgeth, every son whom He receiveth." Therefore be of good courage, desponding souls. Submit yourselves under His rod. Finally — Everything which has been said of trust in God in times of despondency is eminently true of faith in the Saviour.

(N. Adams, D.D.)

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KJV: Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him.

WEB: How much less when you say you don't see him. The cause is before him, and you wait for him!