So here is how we can wait well, because we all need to do this at some point - or rather, many points in our lives.
1. Wait with Courage
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:13-14)
David was a shepherd and a king, but also a warrior. It’s the warrior’s heart that calls out here. He is summoning himself to stand up and be strong. This is a call to battle! We have to fight emotions and despair to wait on God, summoning our heart to the front lines and saying I WILL see the goodness of the Lord. And this is faith. Lisa Bevere once said that faith and fear both give weight to the unseen. Fear believes only what is seen and doubts the unseen. Faith believes what is unseen and doubts that what is seen is all there is.
We choose faith because God is good.
2. Wait in Hope
Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. (Psalm 25:5, NLT)
“The Hebrew word for ‘wait’ means to twist or stretch, and includes the idea of the tension of enduring.” This connotation invokes two images: connection and tension. As we wait, we have a constant tension that keeps us connected to God. Have you ever been out to eat while starving, waiting for your food to arrive? Every time the server comes out of the kitchen you watch to see if they are coming to your table. A silly illustration – but we wait the same way on God. Are we focused on His face, awaiting an answer, a change, to our situation? Trials give us a direct line to God to watch and wait, hoping in His salvation.
3. Bow to God’s Timeline
But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord, I say, “You are my God. My times are in Your hand.” (Psalm 31:14-15)
David’s circumstances were more horrific than many of us could ever imagine. My circumstances are in no way comparable to what David and so many other saints have dealt with. Even so, there are trials that I have faced and am still facing and my response is within my control. Do I hand these things over to God and say, “My times are in Your hand?”
Whether I think they are or not, they are. I just need to live in that thought.
Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable.
He gives strength to the weary.
And to her who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:28-31)
We hear this passage so much it’s easy to ignore how powerful it is.
Those who wait… rise up.
Those who wait… gain new strength.
Those who wait… run tirelessly.
Those who wait… walk with God.
Your waiting has meaning when you bow it to the Lord.
