Wait!
I recently wrote about our granddaughter who can hardly wait for her birthday.
It’s easy for us adults to smile at children when they talk that way and to nod knowingly to the other adults in the room. However, we grownups know too well how hard it is for us to wait.
The ability to wait with patience is a trait God desires in us. Waiting with patience is one way we say to Him, “I trust You.”
The first time the Bible talks about waiting is in Genesis 8. Noah had been in the ark with His family and all kinds of animals for a very long time. In verse 10, Noah waited seven days longer. In verse 12, he waited another seven days. When the waiting was finally over, Noah, his family, and the animals came out; and God gave His promise of the rainbow.
God’s word teaches us to wait.
- Psalm 37:7 tells us to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.
- Psalm 37:34 tell us to wait for the Lord and keep His way.
- Proverbs 20:22 admonishes us not to repay evil, but to wait for the Lord.
- Hosea 12:6 teaches us to return to God, to maintain kindness and justice, and to wait for our God continually.
God gives many promises to those who wait.
- Psalm 33:18 teaches that the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who wait for His faithfulness.
- Isaiah 40:31 tell us that those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength, mount up with wings like eagles, run and not get tired, walk and not become weary.
- Isaiah 64:4 teaches that from days of old, the nations have not heard or seen a God besides our God Who acts on behalf of one who waits for Him.
In the eyes of the world, waiting might seem weak, but waiting often goes hand in hand with being strong. Let’s be strong. Let’s take courage. Let’s wait with faith. We can trust God with our waiting.
Be strong and let your heart take courage,
All you who wait for the Lord.
Psalm 31:24