days of old age, we must be found waiting
Afflictions are sent to lead us to the throne of grace, to teach us to pray, and to make the word of God's grace more precious to us. In days of sorrow, we must wait upon God for the comforts that are sufficient to balance our grief. Job, when in tears, fell down and worshipped God, acknowledging His hand in taking away as well as in giving.
In days of fear, we must wait on God for the courage to silence our fears. Jehoshaphat, in his distress, waited on God and was not disappointed; his heart was strengthened. David too often found his heart established by waiting on God, which brought him to this resolution—a firm anchor for his soul: What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
4. Both in the days of youth and in the days of old age, we must be found waiting
on God.
Those who are young cannot begin their service to God too early. The child Samuel ministered to the Lord, and the scripture places particular honour on his service. Christ Himself was delighted with the hosannas of the children who waited on Him as He entered Jerusalem in triumph. When Solomon, in his youth and upon his accession to the throne, sought wisdom from God, it is written that the saying pleased the Lord. God says to Israel, I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness (Jeremiah 2:2).
To wait upon God is to be mindful of our Creator, and the proper time for this is in the days of thy youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Those who would serve God well must learn early to do so, for the most
accomplished courtiers are those who are trained at court from a young age.
But does this mean that older servants of Jesus may cease to wait on Him? Certainly not! Their service is still required, and it will still be accepted. God will not cast off His faithful servants in their old age, and so they must not abandon His service. Though the infirmities of age may prevent them from being active labourers in God's family, they may still be waiting servants.
Like Barzillai, who was unfit for the entertainments of earthly courts, they can still find delight in the joys of God's courts. When the Levites reached the age of fifty and were discharged from the more burdensome duties of their ministry, they were still required to wait on God—quietly waiting to honour Him and to receive His comfort.
Those who have done the will of God and have finished their labour need patience to help them wait until they inherit the promise. As they draw nearer to the eternal happiness they are waiting for, their love for God should grow ever deeper. Soon they will be with Him— eternally.
B. We must wait on our God all the day.
Toto die (all the day), so we read it. Every day, from morning to night, we must continue waiting on God. Whatever changes may come in our employment, this must remain the constant disposition of our souls. We must attend to God and have our eyes always fixed upon Him. We must not allow ourselves at any time to wander from God or to attend to anything apart from Him, except as it is done in subordination to His will and in service to His glory.