Joseph J C Dike

Waiting Upon the Lord Joseph J C Dike

"Waiting" is a rich word. It can mean being attentive and waiting for instructions, not unlike the way a waiter waits for the person he is serving to gesture. If you have been in a good restaurant before you may have noticed how a good waiter anticipates and reacts to your every gesture of hand, eye and body movement. It can mean waiting in terms of time, a period of inactivity till one receives the signal to act, not unlike how an army captain waits for the general to give the signal before leading his charge in. It can also mean pausing to gather renewed strength in the midst of strenuous physical activity. A runner slows down or stops to recover his breath so that he can continue his journey and reach his destination. Traditionally, in Christian churches, the word "waiting" is taken to mean that one should pray and seek the face of the Lord. And this understanding can conjure in one's mind yet another activity: attending a church prayer meeting perhaps or doing one's daily devotion. But the essence of this term is about one being in relationship with God; being able to listen to Him, being aware of His presence. That means, giving a spiritual attention to Him and no 'other being.' It also means that your heart, as in your instincts and deepest affections, is aware of His presence and guidance. In fact, Jesus Himself taught that 'without Him', we can do nothing (John 15:5). This book, Waiting upon the lord, meticulously written by Joseph J. C. Dike, reflects on the passage of prophet Isaiah which says that: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31). If you've experienced a storm in your life, be it loss of a loved one, health issues, financial trouble, problems of marriage relationship, drug addiction, or any other problem, you know how difficult it can be to be patient and wait for a solution; or if there is no solution, to wait for the grief or pain to pass by. This book, which has seven chapters, is written with simple style and comprehensive language that could be understood without the assistance of a dictionary or any other learning aid. It is a spiritual and, at the same time, a counseling book that may give succor to dropping and weary spirits. Therefore, I recommend it for use by all those who have encountered the storms of life in all walks of life and for those who counsel and preach retreats in religious circles. The book is handy and easy to be carried as a daily companion. Enjoy it.