When we have waited upon the Lord and laid bare before Him all of desires, wishes, and needs there is a time when He comes and makes our way. Sometimes the season of tarrying before Him is long for there is much of self that still needs to be refined out. However, He will not leave us on the refining fires one moment longer than needed, when He has purified us we will come forth as gold. How light and freeing is the walk of a surrendered life to God.
We may struggle and wrestle with letting go parts of ourselves, our methods of sedation, our self-comforts in the night season, but there is a morning when newness springs forth and we are last ready to do the Father’s bidding. When can be made rulers over much, for we have been found faithful in the little. We have learned to do as unto Him and with His strength the lofty and obscure tasks He has given us to do. As we learn in the dark night to practice His presence, fear not the opinions and ever changing moods of man, and to do all as unto Him even if no one else sees or knows of our efforts – here we find our peace and purpose for this life – to feel His pleasure and allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.
When the new day dawns and we at last see His hand move on our behalf to part the sea and bring us into the promised land, we will now be vessels set apart for His purposes and used for His service. Though weeping has remained for the night, joy comes in the morning. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes and the longing is fulfilled it is a tree of life. How beautiful and fragrant the life of a vessel completely surrender to Him.
Be not discouraged, oh waiting vessel of the Most High. He sees us, knows us, and hears our cries. Let us press even deeper into Him and release more of hearts so that He can lift us up in due season.
“It is in hearts entirely surrender to the Lord Jesus, in hearts separating themselves from the world, and even from ordinary religious exercises, and giving themselves up in intense prayer to look to their Lord – it is in such hearts that the heavenly will of God will be made manifest” (Andrew Murray, Absolute Surrender, 1897).
- “I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. When I felt secure, I said, ‘I will never be shaken.’ Lord, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. To you, Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: ‘What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.’ You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” Psalm 30:1-12
- “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12