I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning. Psalms 130:5-6 NRSV
Waiting! It's not something most of us like to do. But, in this age of instapots, drive-thru windows, and answers on demand by our devices, we grow annoyed and impatient with the slightest delays. We've forgotten the value of waiting.
Waiting is an invitation to grow in our faith. It's a time to study God's word, commune with him, and seek his will. The answer may not come directly from God but requires some action from us. A response we can only find in the pause of busyness.
Sometimes, God will answer our prayers, but we must be patient. It's not like picking a number at the deli and getting served when we're called. We must wait because God's timing is not ours, and while we may wish for an answer sooner, we trust in his timing.
Yet other times, God may answer, and we fail to recognize it because it's not the answer we expected–or wanted. When this happens, we thank God for his reply because it's what we need, if not what we want, and we give him praise for the time of spiritual growth.
God, we confess we are impatient people grown used to instant gratification. Forgive us, we pray, and help us to rejoice in the waiting. In those periods of pause, let us draw closer to you and grow in our faith. We thank you for the answers we seek and those that come directly from you. When your response is delayed and perhaps not what we desired, we praise you with the assurance that they are given through your love. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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