Waiting has been the hardest spiritual growth skill for me. Impatient and energetic by nature, I like it when things move fast. But, if there’s anything I’ve learned about God in recent years, it’s this: God is never in a hurry and He is often VERY… SLOW.  While this is uncomfortable, here’s what I know:

God uses delays

to sharpen His instruments and set the stage 

for His glory and purpose.

Certainly, we see this throughout the Bible. Think about it.

• Abraham waited until he was well over 90 for his promised son.
• Joseph waited for many years before he realized his dreams.
• Moses didn’t step into his calling until he was in his 80s.
• David waited for years to become king.

From your human perspective, it may appear that time is ticking and years are slipping by. But God, as “the Alpha and the Omega,” holds a different perspective (Revelation 1:8).  He’s sharpening and shaping you as His instrument. And He’s setting the stage for the most dynamic presentation of His glory.  

Psalm 37 Offers Postures of Waiting Well

Trusting God Instead of Spinning Scenarios. “Trust God and do good” (Psalm 37:1-3). Often when we’re in the season of waiting, our minds spin off all sorts of “what if” questions. This creates friction in our souls. Instead, declare continually over your waiting, ‘I will trust in the goodness of God and while I wait, I will focus on doing good for others.’

Bowing in Worship and Coming Unglued. “Delight yourself in the LORD” (Psalm 37:4). What does it look like to delight yourself in the Lord while you’re waiting? Impatience can bring out a host of anxious feelings. Shift your focus to the character of God.  I’ve found it helpful during seasons of waiting to make a list of the character traits of God. I generally put these in alphabetical order to help me remember them. As I praise my way through the list of His attributes, the Holy Spirit calms my anxious heart and gives me peace.

Releasing Rather Than Carrying the Burden on Your Own. “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this” (Psalm 37:5). Honestly pour out your heart to the Lord. Dump all your feelings on him rather than denying those feelings or stuffing them. His shoulders are by far broader than ours and it is comforting to imagine Him carrying the issues that weigh us down.

Pausing to Listen Rather Than Taking Action. “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him (Psalm 37:7). Oh, this is a hard one for me personally. Maybe you are ‘still’ by nature. Not me. I am antsy! My mind goes a mile a minute and sometimes my mouth tries to keep up. When I am in waiting mode, I imagine God quieting my soul much like a mama quiets her infant. God holds me close. I snuggle in against His chest and I can hear the rhythm of His heart and feel the comfort of His love for me.  The same holds true for you. As you wait, nestle down in His love and allow His Almighty arms to comfort your soul.

Turning to God Rather Than Giving in to Frustration (Psalm 37:8). God can handle all of our emotions. But, our frustration and anger can at times rob us of the joy He longs to give us while we wait. When you feel your anger and frustration rising, pause and ask the Lord to give you a deeper understanding of His love. I believe that is a prayer that delights His heart!

Remember God uses delays to sharpen His instrument and set the stage for His glory!   

Big News! 
This Wednesday, May 18th, my interviews with Focus on the Family will go live! I will post links on my social media sites so that you can listen. Be sure to check out my Facebook page and Instagram for more details. The interviews were about How to Listen So Your Kids Will Talk.