Waiting Well
Psalm 27:13, 14 (NIV)
I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
Daily I’m reminded that I don’t wait well. I especially don’t wait well in traffic. Recently I found myself in a line of cars stopped. I was stuck waiting and couldn’t see the reason why. I kept thinking they deliberately started doing road work because they knew I was running late to an appointment. I was unable to see the man with a sign that said, Stop, in order to allow the opposite lane of cars to go. I had to wait to take my turn so I would safely drive forward.
Is there a method for waiting well? These verses in Psalm 27 are a partial lament where David offers a conclusion as he reflects and reminds himself of who God is. In verses 1 and 2, David calls God his light, salvation, and stronghold. He declares his desire to dwell in the house of the Lord, gazing and seeking in verses 3 and 4. And in verses 7-11, he cries out to God to hear, answer, and not leave or abandon him. David is honest and desperate.
Finally, in verse 13 he offers us this definitive statement, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” David’s stance is certain. He deliberately chooses to place his trust in God who will demonstrate His goodness to him.
Then comes the waiting. David says, wait, then “be strong and take heart” and wait again.
There seems to be an element of not giving up and staying steadfast as he waits.
Waiting isn't easy. Pastor and author, Mark Vroegrop says, “Why is waiting so difficult? Because it feels as if we’re not doing anything. And that’s the point. You’re not doing anything, but God is.” He further goes on to say, “…waiting is not a waste.”
In a season of waiting, it’s easy to think God is ignoring our prayers, or withholding what we are asking Him for. If I believe God is withholding something, I feel frustrated and stubbornly stand with my hands on my hips, demanding that He must do something. If I believe that God has me in a season of waiting, I can sit and focus on what He’s done in the past and place my trust in what I can’t see yet. Knowing who God is, trusting in His goodness, kindness, and timing because He loves me allows me to wait well. Waiting can give us time to recall God’s faithfulness and hold tight to the promise that we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Dear Lord Jesus,
You already know how impatient we are. Thank you for being a gracious Heavenly Father who keeps us, hears us and sees us. Thank you for your lovingkindness and faithful timing. Help us trust You as we wait, not knowing why or what is coming, but knowing that what awaits is a sign of Your goodness.
In Jesus Mighty Name,
Amen