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They that waft on the Lord, and encourage themselves to do, in the times of affliction, shall have the Lord in mercy to put strength into them, for their better enabling to wait on Him (Psalm 31:24; Psalm 40:1, 2; Isaiah 40:30).

1. Reasons —

(1) To wait on the Lord, and to encourage ourselves in affliction, are notable actions of faith. Now, the grace of faith entitles us to the participation of God's power (2 Chronicles 20:20).

(2) In waiting on the Lord, and encouraging ourselves in time of affliction, are the right improving and employing of the talents which the Lord hath left with us; for in so doing we set faith a work. And this behaviour hath little to increase (Matthew 25:28, 29).

2. Uses —

(1) For instruction. See here plainly that God's gracious gifts and works in our hearts are vouchsafed, though not for, yet in, and upon our endeavour, in obedience to His will, in the use of those means wherein He is pleased to work the same (Isaiah 55:3; Romans 10:17; John 11:26). See here the true fountain of all that courage and boldness which in all ages God's children have shown for God's glory and for the maintenance of His truth (1 Samuel 16:32, 34; Psalm 3:6; Psalm 23:4; Daniel 3:16, 17; Acts 3:13).

(2) For admonition. Observe the ways and means whereby God strengthens the hearts of His children, that so we may therein wait upon God in the day of affliction, for increase of strength, and courage in our souls, His Word spoken, either by God Himself (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9), or by His servants (Hebrews 12:12). The works of His providence, wherein we have had experience of His goodness in former deliverances (1 Samuel 17:34-37; Psalm 22:4, 5; 2 Kings 2:14). The company of the godly (Acts 28:15; Proverbs 27:9, 17). Prayer to God, as well by ourselves as by others in our behalf (Acts 4:24, 29; Ephesians 6:19). God's inward way of strengthening the heart is by the work of His Spirit (John 14:16; Isaiah 11:2; 2 Timothy 1:7). We must labour to be such, both in state of soul and behavior of life, as to whom God will vouchsafe the blessing of strength of heart in evil times. That beforehand, in the days of peace, we beware of sin, and break off the cause thereof by true repentance. That we are truly in covenant with God. That by faith we rest and rely on God's mercy in Christ Jesus. That we be upright-hearted towards God (2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 18:2).

(T. Pierson.).

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KJV: Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

WEB: Wait for Yahweh. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for Yahweh. By David.