The word “wait” in Isaiah 40:31 has the thought of simply and singly looking to Him. It also embraces waiting for Him, and expecting from Him. It is a very full word. That accounts for it being variously translated. One word in English does not give the fullness of its meaning. It is upon God alone then we are to wait. We are to look to Him; to wait for Him; and to expect from Him only. In this exercise, we deepen in the knowledge of that which is before the mind of God; and that displaces things which have been before our own minds that are not according to His.

Who has been His counselor? Who showed Him the way of understanding? He makes known to us His counsels, and directs our minds in the way of understanding as we wait on Him. His thoughts, not those that originate in our minds, are to abide! His strength, not ours, will prevail! And it is this which He would have us to possess. He says, “The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken”; and again, “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength” (40:5, 31).

The word of our God shall stand for ever (v. 8). Let the eyes look up to the heavens—He created them, and all their starry host. Let them look abroad upon the earth beneath—He weighed the mountains; He meted out the dust of the land; and the waters of the sea He measured in the hollow of His hand! They all manifest His eternal power and divinity. Even the nations, so prominent now by their conflicts and ingenuity in destruction, are to Him as the small dust of a balance. “All nations before Him are as nothing” and vanity! “They are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless” (v. 17)! Wait on Him!