I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord (Psalm 27:13-14).

There are many avenues of spiritual disturbance in the life of a believer. There are manifold entrances into our spirit through which anxiety, anguish, and distress can travel. Therefore it is of no amazement to read in the New Testament epistles the words, grace and peace spoken to the church repeatedly. Grace and peace is not meant to be meaningless introductory comments but a needed experienced reality. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

The prophet David experienced the common sufferings of God’s people. In Psalm 27, he testifies unto the fears of life that he faced. He refers to his enemies; individuals (27:2), armies (27:3), warfare (27:3), and false witnesses (27:12). Yet David’s confidence in the LORD was not in sinlessness (27:9). Though a sinner, David panted to seek the face of the LORD (27:9, 11) in order to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire of his God (27:4). It was on this basis that he sought deliverance from his troubles.

Our strength in the midst of tribulation arrives in the package of the person of Christ. We, as pilgrims in this life, would fade away as a leaf – withering on the branch – outside of faith in Jesus Christ. We do know that the LORD is Good. It is an attribute of His beauty. Therefore we have a confident expectation in the midst of our trials to see the goodness of the LORD while we are living in this life. We will both know and see that the LORD is good towards His children. We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful (James 5:11).

The difficulty rests in the second part of the verse, wait on the lord. Sometimes trust is agonized because in the midst of difficulty we are commanded to do – nothing. Doing nothing is the LORD’s will. Doing nothing is the evidence of faith. You mean, do absolutely nothing? Yes, against your foes. No, in relation to your God. Seek Him for His beauty, person, knowledge, and grace – panting to know Him. The result will be a strengthened heart.

Therefore, wait on the Lord … yes, wait on the Lord.