Wait Upon the Lord

Israel and Judah had been conquered. God’s own people were in exile, all but a remnant, a chosen few who remained in the land. Their enemies made frightening threats to overtake them and the remnant, rather than relying on Yahweh, turned to Egypt for help. They had forgotten Egypt had once enslaved them. They had forgotten that it was Yahweh who had delivered them out of that bondage. And they chose to return to that bondage for protection.

The other day a friend messaged me, encouraging me and a long list of other believers to take a stand against the threat of ISIS.  Most of the people on her list were eager and ready to make a move. Their suggestions to march in Washington, write letters to Congress or even to join our armed forces stirred up a frenzy of fear inspired passion. While no threats of violence were made, I sensed the temptation and that threats may soon follow if the conversation continued.

I was certainly tempted to join them. I’m like that. Passion overtakes me at times and I’m ready for the fight. “Where’s my gun? And where’s my bullet?”

This time instead, a scripture came to mind.

The word “wait” in this passage comes from the Hebrew word qâvâh (kaw-vaw’). According to the Strongs dictionary, it means: to bind together (perhaps by twisting), that is, collect; (figuratively) to expect: – gather (together), look, patiently, tarry, wait (for, on, upon).

At one point we were bound to fear inspired passion, such as hatred and anger. This was our Egypt. And we have to remember, no matter who threatens us, we are not to return to Egypt for protection. We simply have to wait – be bound instead – to Yahweh. This is His battle and He always wins.

Additional Reading: Isaiah 30, 31, 40