Wait for the Lord…

Psalm 37:34

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 delay

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 80’s
• David waited for years to become king.

From your human perspective, it may appear that time is ticking and years are slipping. 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.

While you wait, here are some suggestions from Psalm 37, to help you cultivate an attitude of expectation:

1. Keep anxiety at a minimum by trusting and doing good (Psalm 37:1-3). Often when we’re in the season of waiting our minds are occupied with the ‘thing’ we are waiting for. This creates friction in our souls. Instead, declare continually over your waiting, ‘I trust in the goodness of God and while I wait, I will do good things for others.’
2. Delight yourself in the Lord (Psalm 37:4). What does it look like to delight yourself in the Lord while you’re waiting? 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 shapes my desires so that they are more in line with what God desires for me.
3. Commit your way to the Lord (Psalm 37:5). While you wait, roll the issue that is a burden to you onto the Lord’s shoulders.   His shoulders are by far broader than ours and it is comforting to imagine Him carrying the issues that weigh us down.
4. Be still (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. As 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.
5. Refrain from anger (Psalm 37:8). God can handle our anger. It doesn’t change His love for us. But, our 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, pull back, 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 delay to sharpen His instrument and set the stage for His glory!   I’d love to hear from you. What have you found most helpful as you wait for God to move on your behalf? Leave a comment!