HOW SHOULD WE WAIT FOR GOD?

How do we wait for God? Do we murmur? Do we complain? Are we anxious? The Israelites continually complained during their journey to the Promised Land and God was displeased. David, in the midst of his many troubles, cried to God, waited patiently and God answered him.

We often become frustrated and overwhelmed when we wait and nothing appears to be happening. Is it possible to wait patiently during those times?

I have experienced many occasions of waiting for God to answer my prayers. I have poured out my heart and prayed prayers of anguish. For many years, waiting was extremely difficult for me as I saw no change in my circumstances. I complained and murmured. Days, weeks, months and years passed with no change. I wondered if God had forgotten me.

But then my attitude changed while I waited. I discovered the secret that gave me the victory to wait patiently for God. My journey to know God deeper and more intimately, enabled me to know him not only as my Lord and Saviour, but also as the One who is absolutely trustworthy, all powerful and all knowing. Like David, I acknowledge that my times are in his hands, so I refuse to worry or complain. It is now a delight to wait on and for God.

My perspective of my circumstances has changed because I now look at them not through my eyes but through God’s eyes. I realize that he has a purpose to be accomplished and his timing is perfect. I know his character and that nothing is impossible with him. Why should I get despondent while I am waiting for him to act on my behalf? He has not changed. He is faithful. He controls everything. Worrying will not speed up his answer so I heed his word and rest in him.

We have to decide what our attitude will be while we wait. In addition to the scripture above, the scriptures below also encourage us regarding how we are expected to wait.

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalms 27:14 KJV

“I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:24-26

“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.” Psalms 130:5-6

We can wait patiently, quietly, joyfully and with our whole being on God. Let us not sabotage our waiting by giving a weapon to the enemy of our soul. Resist the enemy and draw near to God, the lover of our soul. He is so gracious and kind that he will help us while we wait.

Heavenly Father, I confess that I have been impatient and murmured while I waited for you. Please forgive me for doubting you. My circumstances have been so overwhelming and I sometimes feel confused and lost. I am desperate to know you deeper and more intimately so like David I will wait patiently for you. Thank you for hearing my cry and answering my prayer. In the name of Jesus Amen.

Throughout this day: Talk to God about your situations that need his intervention. Identify and meditate on three scriptures that will help to sharpen your confidence in God to answer.