"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word, I put my hope."
Psalms 130:5 NIV
Patience doesn't come easy for most of us. Our kitchens are full of devices that prove this coffee maker with timers, instant pots, and microwaves. Although slow in cooking, even the crockpot allows us to do other things, so our meals will be ready without waiting when we get home. Yet, with all these conveniences, we are still impatient. How many times do we check the timer on the microwave?
The psalmist has the right idea. When we pray, we need to slow down. We need to be patient and have faith. Our prayers are answered, but that answer is not always, perhaps not even usually, instantaneous. We also do not know the answer -- yes, no, or wait -- nor the form in which it will come. Further, there is no guarantee we will like the reply. But we trust in God that his will be done. His purview far broader than ours looks beyond the answer of this single prayer to what is best for us.
How do we know God will answer our prayer at all? First, there is the promise in his word. Secondly, we know because he has responded to prayers in the past. Recalling our experiences, we recount all the times God hasn't answered our past prayers.
God, thank you for answering our prayers. Please help us to wait and place our trust in you. So please help us, especially when the answer is not what we desire to accept your will. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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