Wait for It…
But for you, O LORD, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer. Psalm 38:15
Wait for what? His answer.
There are people and circumstances that I have been praying for/about for years. The salvation of family members, friends with difficult marriages, and others with long-term chronic illnesses, even my ministry, and a neighborhood full of people with needs I do not necessarily know. I’m sure you have your list, too.
The teaching I have gotten (and also give) sounds like this: “Wait on the Lord, He’ll let you know what to do.” “Pray before you act.” “In the moment, ask yourself, what is God doing?” “Always check your responses with scripture.” “God blesses obedience.”
It is important for Christians to learn the Word of God well, so when difficult times come, we’ll know what God’s word says and not be as tempted to make an emotional decision.
Sometimes I make an emotional decision anyway and suffer the consequences. I speak too soon or say something I wish I had not said. I get angry. Even if I don’t express it out loud, I know it has not pleased God. I forget to follow my own advice and think about what God might be doing before I respond to some new set of circumstances.
God does everything for the good of His people and His own glory. We may not see it immediately, but, over time, we may clearly see what He is doing – or not. Nonetheless, He has a purpose in everything and one of His purposes is always to conform His people to the image of His Son. (Romans 8:29). His Son said He came only to do the will of His Father.
Sometimes, when life is rolling along and there are no hardships, we forget what we know we need to do when life gets more difficult. In affliction, we are more likely to rely on God’s instructions. Lately, my own “afflictions” seem to have been in the form of meeting the needs of others and some real loose ends (I like to know where things are going!). These things seem urgent from a human perspective but I know God’s timing is perfect. Our prayers are answered in His time, not ours.
I have been waiting for God to leave me a note laying out His plan – so I can relax (haven’t gotten one yet). I seem to believe this would make the “wait” easier. Knowing that what He has for me is for my good and His glory helps me be patient without the note.
Not finding that note should drive us back to the Word of God. He has not left us without His Words. I can study it and see the principles that apply to each one of the situations about which I am praying (as well as the ones I am not praying about).
The verse I like the least but seem to see the most is “wait on the Lord.” God gives us good reason to have patience. Psalm 37:34 says, “Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land.”
The way of blessing is to do things God’s way. Waiting is sometimes His way.