1 Samuel 13:13-23

Left in the Spoilers' Hands

1 Samuel 13:13

Sternly and sorrowfully the old prophet pronounced the sentence of Saul's deposition, and suggested that already God had sought and found another prince for his people. In Jesse's home was found the stripling who in after-years would say: “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage and He shall strengthen thy heart: wait, I say, on the Lord,” Psalms 27:14.

Wait thou thy Lord's leisure! Bid thy heart stay its feverish beating, and thy pulse subside! To act prematurely and in self-will would mar the divine purpose, and set in motion stones that could not be slopped. “Let your moderation be known unto all men; the Lord is at hand.” Never say, “Circumstances compelled me; I had to do it: my hand was forced”! No, child of God, thou art greater than circumstances and superior to the crowd of base spirits around thee. Wait thou on God, for He shall yet interpose in thy behalf. Allow no circumstances to provoke or excuse the doing of evil. In quietness and confidence shall be thy strength; in returning and rest shall thou be saved.