“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;”. Psalm 130:5 ESV
How many of us like waiting? I know this is a loaded question since the majority of us have been quarantined in our homes since March 10th. For even the most patient among us — of which I’m not included— there comes a desire for the resumption of normality, we want the waiting to stop. In Psalm 130, the author cries out to God in despair (MSG), “Help, GOD —the bottom has fallen out of my life! Master, hear my cry for help! Listen hard! Open your ears! Listen to my cries for mercy.” Haven’t we all been there? Haven’t we all been so distraught at times that we have doubted that God really cares? Sometimes in the waiting, we are shaken to the very core of our faith. The psalmist goes on to write the text for today, “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word, I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.” In the waiting, the psalmist finds hope by turning to God’s word. The world is waiting today. During this pandemic, many have become anxious, angry, and distraught questioning God’s love if not his existence. That is one way of responding, but instead, I encourage you as we wait for the morning to come to turn to the word of God. In his word, you will find renewal for your soul and peace and comfort in the waiting.
God, we give you thanks for the hope in your divine revelation given to us. We ask for your forgiveness. We acknowledge we are an impatient people, and sometimes in the waiting, we feel abandoned and doubtful. Help us in those times to turn to you for help in the waiting, instead of away in impatience. We don’t know how, or when, you will answer but in your word we receive assurance of your love and care. Amen.
