Waiting Patiently

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalms 40:1‭-‬2 NIV

"I waited patiently" what an opening to today's passage. Even when we are secure in God's ability to answer our pleas, it is challenging to wait. By human nature, we are impatient, and the face pace of this modern-day world has only made it worse. Technology is always striving for the next faster evolution. When we think of our devices, we want them to start immediately and search results to appear before we complete typing the question.

We know God works outside our concept of time. Where we think of the immediate, God sees the long view, beyond what we want to what we need; yes, He hears our prayers, and yes, he will deliver us from the "slimy pit." He does this not in haste, leaving us halfway out of the pit or near the edge, but deliberately sets our feet on solid ground. He takes the time to ensure our safety.

Waiting for the Lord can be difficult. But much of our spiritual journey is unlearning our baser human instincts and replacing them with healthier, holier inclinations. So here are a few suggestions: find a quiet place, away from TVs, computers, cellphones, and watches – all those faced paced and time-sensitive distractions. It can be a place in your home or, better yet, out in nature. In that place of quiet solitude, appreciate the silence and beauty. Connect with the Holy Spirit, that piece of God in each of us, and pray, among other things, for patience. When we can do that, even for a few minutes, we experience His peace and the beginnings of tolerance.

God, we thank you for the prayers you've answered and the ones you will answer. We have assurance you will always do what is best for us in your time. We acknowledge we are impatient people, and please grant us the patience we need in waiting. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim