Read Psalm 62-63
William Wilberforce was a member of the British Parliament in the late 1700's. He became a follower of Christ under the ministry of John Wesley. Wilberforce used his position in politics to tackle the injustices of slavery. But after experiencing another defeat ten years into his fight against slavery, he became deeply discouraged. So he opened his Bible looking for some verses to comfort him. A small piece of paper fell out. It was a letter John Wesley had written him shortly before his death. Wilberforce re-read the letter: "Unless the divine power has raised you up... I see not how you can go through your glorious enterprise in opposing that (abominable practice of slavery), which is the scandal of religion, of England, and of human nature. Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God be for you, who can be against you? Are all of them together stronger than God? Oh, be not weary of well-doing. Go on in the name of God, and in the power of His might."
These words from his friend and mentor helped encourage him to continue the good fight. And ten years later slavery was abolished in England with the passage of the Slave Trade Act of 1807. In our reading today, David is fighting the good fight while also experiencing moments of weariness. Both Wilberforce and David are great examples of perseverance. David had to wait many years in the wilderness before he was able to take the throne. We see David's perseverance in Psalm 62:1-2: "For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken."
Perhaps you can relate with those words, "my soul waits in silence". If so, I encourage you to continue to wait with perseverance. It's not easy and sometimes our faith may feel shaken but remember v. 2, "I shall not be greatly shaken". we will never face anything bigger than what Our God can handle. Or as John Wesley put it, "Oh, be not weary of well-doing. Go on in the name of God, and in the power of His might."
How are you doing on waiting? Is there something you've been waiting on that you need to lay at the feet of the Savior today?
Perhaps you can be a "John Wesley"in someone else's life. Who's someone in your life that needs some encouragement today?
Prayer for the day: "Heavenly Father, by faith I believe that you are working out all things for good. Help me wait well. Help me not grow weary but to persevere with a grateful heart. Thank you for being a father who will always take care of my needs. In the precious name of Jesus, amen."