Wait, Wait!

Why do we often react negatively when we have to wait?

To stand firm is to have patient endurance. Patience, i.e. forbearance and long-suffering, is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Therefore, it is borne when we yield to the Holy Spirit’s control.

Waiting is a trial that reveals the hidden dross of impatience. Impatience is rooted in a mental dialogue against what we perceive as an obstacle to reaching a desired goal. Therefore, we can combat impatience by bringing our thoughts back to focussing on the Lord and his will for us. Impatience is the fruit of the flesh.

Psalm 17:4 is my personal heart-governor verse. "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” It helps me remember I am waiting for the One who controls all things.

2 Samuel 5:17-25 contains my favorite scene in the Bible about waiting. Each time the Philistine army deployed itself in battle array, David inquired of the Lord. The first time he got the go-ahead. The second time, God’s instructions were for David to wait and stand firm until David heard the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees.

It is a great lesson in waiting. We are purified, strengthened in our faith, through our trials of waiting. God is acting on our behalf. He brings up any dross of impatience that would thwart his purpose.

Holy Spirit, help us learn how to fully rest patiently in you as we wait — wholly, absolutely, intentionally trusting you. When we can’t see any evidence of your provision, we will wait because you act for those who wait for you. Thank you for your faithfulness in all that you do. Amen.

Go Deeper — Be aware of how you react today whenever you have to wait for something. What can help you wait more quietly and peacefully?