| Christian Life and Doctrine | August 1950 |
“In Quietness and in Confidence”
“The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” —Exodus 14:14
ONE of the secrets of a happy Christian life is to have confidence and trust in the Lord, a faith in him that is so unfailing and all-comprehensive that no matter what experiences may come we will be able from the heart to say with the Prophet Job, “He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10) It is not a case, however, of blindly trusting in the Lord in the sense of not knowing the ultimate purpose of the experiences which he permits to come into our lives. To the Christian he has revealed that purpose, which is that in us the image of the Master may be developed in preparation for the blessed privilege of living and reigning with him during the thousand years of his kingdom, and of being associated with him in divine glory throughout the endless ages of eternity.
But even though we rejoice in this knowledge of the divine purpose which is being worked out in our lives, and are assured beyond doubt that to this end all things are working together for our good, we still are not walking by sight. Faith and trust are essential, because with our limited comprehension and our short-sighted viewpoints, it is impossible to understand just how this or that experience, whether of joy or of sorrow, may be best at the time. If we were masters of our own destinies so far as our day by day walk in life were concerned, we would probably change a lot of things, but in so doing would be quite liable to create circumstances and conditions which would be detrimental to ourselves as new creatures in Christ Jesus.
How essential it is, then, to develop complete confidence in the Heavenly, Father’s care, to learn that his way is best, and that, although it is often difficult, the end will be glorious, because in every experience his wisdom is choosing that which will be the very best for us. Happy are we, then, if by learning this, we can always leave the choice with him! If we can do this, we will not think strange the fiery trials which our loving Heavenly Father permits, but will accept them in quietness and confidence knowing that he is too wise to err and too loving to be unkind.
Lessons from the Past
We can learn many helpful lessons pertaining to God’s watch-care over his people by noting the manner in which he dealt with his servants of old. One of these is brought to our attention in our text, and in it is emphasized the fact that the Lord is the strength of his people and that our part is largely that of implicitly trusting in him and letting him fight for us. This does not mean that we should assume a listless, indifferent attitude toward the Lord, his service, and the good fight of faith in which we are engaged as soldiers of Jesus Christ; because, while he fights for us, the Lord has given us a part to perform. But in doing our part faithfully, it should be with a peace of heart and mind, a tranquility of soul born of the assurance that victory is not based upon what we can do, but what he has promised to do, and will do if we but let him fight for us.
When Moses said to the Israelites, “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace,” they were in a very precarious situation from the standpoint of human ability. In their march from Egypt they had reached the Red Sea. The way before them was blocked—or so it seemed. The Egyptian army had closed in on them from the rear. Losing faith in the ability of their God to care for them, they became “sore afraid.” They chided Moses for leading them out of Egypt. Apparently even before they left the land of bondage many of them had remonstrated with Moses, claiming that it would be an ill-fated effort. And now, as so many have done since, they assumed the well recognized attitude, “I told you so.”
But Moses was not disturbed. He said to the people, “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” The expression, “stand still,” simply meant that they were quietly to rest in the Lord. Their faith was weak. They had become fearful, nervous, and agitated, and in that condition could not properly co-operate with the Lord. Centuries later, when Israel again was failing to place their confidence in the Lord and as a result were failing to enjoy the richness of his blessings, the Prophet Isaiah said to them, “In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.”—Isaiah 30:15
It was just as true in Isaiah’s time as it was when Moses spoke to the Israelites that if they were to see the salvation of God it was necessary for them to “stand still,” to be at peace, to rest quietly in him and in his ability to deliver and bless. The same is true with the Lord’s people today. As individuals and as a people we are constantly being faced with “Red Sea” experiences which try our faith; and if in these we are to be victorious, we must learn to put our full confidence in the Lord. Never should we take matters into our own hands, but should always wait on the Lord for a clear indication of his will. Those who do this shall “renew their strength” and thus be prepared for whatever experiences the Lord may choose for them.—Isa. 40:31
“Go Forward”
The Lord told the Israelites at the Red Sea that they should “go forward.” From the human standpoint it seemed utterly impossible to obey this command, yet this was the Lord’s will, and when they obeyed the sea opened up before them and they crossed in safety. In this instance, as always, the deliverance of the Lord’s people depended upon their trusting the Lord and obeying his instructions. They were to “stand still” and at the same time to “go forward” in order to “see the salvation of the Lord.”
So it is in the Christian life. It is one of confidently trusting in the Lord regardless of the apparently insurmountable difficulties with which we may be confronted, and no matter how fierce the storms of life may be raging around us; but it is not a life of listlessness and inactivity. The Lord has work to be done. There are toads to lift and seas to be crossed; and true faith will find expression in our obedience in going forward in the narrow way as the Lord directs and putting our hands energetically to the tasks which he assigns.
Nor should we expect the Lord to clear the way before we enter it, for he does not always indicate his will in this manner. There are certain things which we know from his Word that the Lord wants us to do. We are to be light-bearers in the world. He wants us to assemble with his people when it is at all possible. He wants us to study his Word that we may show ourselves approved unto him. He wants us to love our enemies and to do good to those who despitefully use us and persecute us. The Lord may permit many obstacles to stand in the way of our doing these things, removing them only when, by confidently obeying him, we “go forward” to do his will.
Grace Sufficient
Ofttimes we may wish to change the circumstances of our lives, thinking that thus we could serve the Lord so much better. Even the Apostle Paul had thoughts along this line, but he learned that the Lord’s way for him was best. At the time of his conversion he was blinded by the light which shone “above the brightness of the sun.” (Acts 9:3; 26:13) Later, when visited by Ananias, his sight was partially restored, but he did not regain his normal vision, and was afflicted with this handicap for the remainder of his life. Paul refers to this as a “thorn in the flesh.”—II Cor. 12:7
It was but natural for Paul to reason that he could serve the Lord more efficiently if he had better eyesight, so he made it a matter of special prayer. He besought the Lord three times to have this thorn in the flesh removed, but the Lord’s answer to the apostle was, “My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (II Cor. 12:9) Paul’s heart responded to this answer, and he wrote, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
In reasoning this matter out, Paul concluded that if he did not have this affliction he might be “exalted above measure,” and thus be inclined to trust in his own strength and abilities rather than in the Lord’s. And herein is the reason for many of the experiences and circumstances which the Lord permits to come into our lives. He wants us ever to realize that our every victory of faith is his victory and that our every success and accomplishment should be accredited to him. It is so easy to forget that he is fighting our battles for us and clearing the paths through the “Red Seas” which block our progress in the narrow way; so in his wisdom and mercy he allows conditions to be such that we are continually reminded of our need of him.
The “thorn in the flesh” which buffets us may be one or more of a number of things which our faulty judgment might think should be changed. With some, for example, it may be environment. We may be the only one in our family that is rejoicing in the light of present truth and running in the narrow way toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. We may think, “Oh, if I could only enjoy the fellowship of someone right in my own home, how grand that would be, and how much better progress I could make in developing the fruits and graces of the Holy Spirit!”
We may make this a matter of prayer, perhaps even more than the three times that Paul prayed for better eyesight, only to get the same answer, “My grace is sufficient for thee”—“My presence shall go with thee.” (Exod. 33:14) “I want you to appreciate my fellowship more, and to lean more confidently upon me. If you can learn to do this, I will be to you as the choicest of friends, and as one that keepeth closer than a brother or a mother; or any other human association you could possibly possess. I will be a friend who will overlook your shortcomings, and will give you strength in your weakness. I will be an ever present help in your every trial, and will share your every joy. So rest quietly in me, and I will give you peace and will be your shield and great reward.”
We may not only be without fellowship with members of our own family, but they may even oppose us in our service to the Lord. From the natural standpoint, this could but lead to turmoil of heart, and to anxiety and sorrow. How our flesh would like to change a situation of this kind, that we might enjoy peace and quietness at least in our own home! Let us remember, though, that this is but another circumstance in which the Lord will fight for us, and that we can hold our peace. We will find that in this, as in every other circumstance of life, strength will be found in quietness and in confidence—not confidence in our own ability to weather the opposing gales, but confidence that the Lord is able to make his grace abound toward us at all times and in all things.—II Cor. 9:8
Seldom does a Christian enjoy the peace which results from tranquility of circumstances and surroundings. Usually the storms of life are raging, with tempests high on sea and land. These tempests which come sweeping down over the soul may stem from one or more of many causes. The tempest of ill health may disturb our peace of heart. In such an event the flesh is quick to say that probably the Lord has forsaken us. The human mind is ever ready to fill the role of a “Job’s comforter” and to try to persuade us that the Lord has turned his back upon us. But Job said to his accusers concerning God, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.”—Job 13:15
Nor is our trust in God under such circumstances necessarily a blind one. We know that we have entered into a covenant with the Lord by sacrifice—the sacrifice of the flesh. We know, therefore, that our outward man must perish ere we can enter into and enjoy our house from heaven. Faith in God and in this part of his will and plan, therefore, should give us peace. Indeed, whether it be the trial of sickness, or one which is bearing down upon us in some other way, we should accept it as evidence of the Lord’s love, depending on his promise to supply all our needs, rejoicing in his blessed assurance, “My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
New Creatures Secure in Him
As followers of the Master, new creatures in Christ Jesus, we should never lose sight of the fact that the Heavenly Father’s care, his protection, his strength that is made perfect in our weakness, and the final victory which he has promised to give us through Christ, are all of a spiritual character. It is as new creatures that he keeps us from falling. It is the new mind that dwells in the secret place of his love. He is a rock and fortress to the inner man which, because of the bounties of his grace, is being renewed day by day.
This being true, it should matter little just how our flesh may fare, or what the natural circumstances of our lives may be. All that should really concern us should be—and in this we can always rejoice—that God is able to hold us in the hollow of his hand as new creatures regardless of the opposing forces with which we may be surrounded. He can open the “Red Sea” before us that we may “go forward” safely in the doing of his will. With his love and the love of Christ overshadowing us, nothing can pluck us out of his hand. Paul was persuaded of this, and we can be also, and in this assurance we can have peace.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” asks Paul. (Rom. 8:35) “Shall tribulation?” No, divine wisdom has decreed that we need tribulation to prove and develop us.
“Or distress?” Of course not! We do not expect to be at ease while walking in the narrow way.
“Or persecution?” Again the answer is no; for we will remember the Master’s words telling of the blessedness of those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, and the promise that theirs is the kingdom of heaven.—Matt. 5:10
“Or famine?” Paul learned to suffer want, and therein to be content, and so should we.
“Or nakedness?” There may be times when we could wish for better clothes to wear but will remember that to be clothed with a meek and quiet spirit is far better, for we might possess the richest of material clothing and yet not enjoy peace and quietness of heart and soul.
“Or peril?” No, for regardless of how perilous the storms of life may be, we will rest quietly in the Lord. As the little bird that builds its nest on the slender branch overhanging a cataract, does not fear, so we will remember that underneath us as new creatures in Christ Jesus are the everlasting arms of divine care which will ever hold us in the love of God.
“Or sword?” We know that the enemies of the new creature are fighting desperately to overthrow us, to break down our courage and confidence, to take us away from our Heavenly Father’s love, but we will not fear. Instead, with the protection of the “armor of light” on the right hand and on the left, we will “go forward” in the strife, following the commands of the Captain of our Salvation. Doing this, no matter how fiercely the battle may rage about us, we will remain at peace, knowing that victory is assured.—Rom. 8:37
“Killed All the Day Long”
Quoting from Psalm 44:22, Paul continues, “For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” (Rom. 8:36) How much in keeping this is with our covenant of sacrifice! Our Master, in whose footsteps we are walking, was also “led as a lamb to the slaughter,” and how honored we are to share this experience with him. This being true, the sufferings which result from our being planted together in the likeness of his death should but increase our faith and our confidence, and our peace should abound as our sufferings increase; for, as Paul expresses it, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”—Rom. 8:37
“For I am persuaded,” the apostle continues. He was not persuaded that the Lord would protect him from trial, nor prevent his enemies from attacking him. No, he expected tribulation. He knew that he must endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. He knew that Satan would buffet him, and that he would be at enmity with the world. He knew that he would need constantly to struggle to keep his own body under, “and bring it into subjection.” (I Cor. 9:27) But he was persuaded that in all these things the Lord would be to him an ever present source of strength, and in this assurance he enjoyed peace, the “peace of God, which passeth all understanding.”—Phil: 4:7
Paul identifies many of the things which from the human standpoint might well pluck us out of the loving hand of God, such, for example, as “death.” Death is the world’s greatest enemy, one which disturbs the peace of every family where it strikes. But we are assured of victory over death, and certainly it cannot separate us from the love of God. Not that we are spared from death, for actually our covenant with the Lord calls for death. We are dying with Christ—sacrificially. Yes, “dying, and, behold, we live.” (II Cor. 6:9) We have been raised up to walk in newness of life in Christ, and in this vantage point of divine love there can no evil befall us.
“Nor life.” One of the greatest dangers to the new creature is an abundance of material good things—health, prosperity, friends, etc. To the natural man these constitute the joy of living, or “life,” as the apostle puts it. Let us remember, however, that as new creatures our life does not consist of the abundance of the things which we possess, and remembering this, keep close to the Lord, looking to him for strength lest the allurements of ease and plenty pluck us out of his hand and we fall from our steadfastness.
“Nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers.” These are the fallen angels, the “principalities” and the “powers” and the “rulers of the darkness of this world” which Paul speaks of in Ephesians 6:12, and identifies as among our most formidable enemies. It is against these that we “wrestle,” yet we need not fear, for the Lord fights for us in that he has provided an armor which, if we put it on and keep it on, the “wiles of the devil” will not be able to harm us.—Eph. 6:11
“Nor things present, nor things to come.” The Lord, through Moses, promised his people of old that as their days, so should their strength be. (Deut. 33:25) We know that the Lord is fighting for us today, that he is not permitting any of our enemies to overwhelm us; and we should also trust him for the future; for the apostle assures us that just as things “present” cannot separate us from the love of God, neither will “things to come” be permitted to do so. What a promise, and how sweet is the peace which results when in confidence we lay hold upon it!
“Nor height, nor depth”—that is, exaltation or humiliation. Either of these extremes might easily separate us from divine love. Exaltation, either in the Lord’s service, or in business, or among our friends could be dangerous to the new creature, but not if we remember who we are and the glorious prize of the high calling for which we are running. The Lord’s protection against this danger might well be in permitting us to experience the “depth”—that is, to be humbled through reverses of one sort or another in order that we may realize that regardless of our position in life, it is by his permission, and that nothing which is really good for us as new creatures will he withhold.
“Nor any other creature.” Paul gives us a very complete cross section of Christian experience, but in case he overlooked one or more of the influences—the “creatures” which war against our new minds in an effort to separate us from the Lord and to destroy our peace in him—he makes this blanket statement to assure us that nothing whatever is too small or too great for God to notice as he spreads over us the protection of his mighty power. Certainly, then, we can be assured that nothing will be able to “separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Being confident of this, we can have peace.
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”—or as one translation puts it, “since God IS for us.” Yes, he IS for us, and it is because he fights for us that we can have peace—“the peace of God, which passeth all [human] understanding.” (Rom. 8:31; Phil. 4:7) It is this peace that keeps our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus our Lord.
The peace of God—the same peace which God possesses, the peace that results from his knowledge that nothing can happen in his whole vast universe except as he wills or permits it. He is neither anxious about the present nor fearful of the future; and his peace can be ours, for as members of his family he has assured us that all the glorious attributes of his character are enlisted for our protection and care as new creatures in Christ Jesus.
With this “blessed assurance” we can “go forward” in our march toward the heavenly Canaan with absolute confidence that if in each step of the way we obey him, no seas of trouble can drown us, nor will he permit any of the storms of life to overwhelm us. He has promised to “guide” us, to “hold” us, to “keep” us, to “fight” for us, and to give us “strength.”
What more could we ask? It remains only for us to wait on him in quietness and in confidence, knowing that whatever our need may be he will “bring it to pass.” (Psa. 7:5) All we have to do is to “stand still,” in the sense of not being fearful and agitated no matter what the circumstances may be; and when he gives the command to “go forward,” obey knowing that he will lead the way and give victory to all who put their trust in him.