“Our soul waits for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
For our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.”
– Psalm 33:20-21
Peace in the Lord is found when our souls can truly wait for Him. Not presume on Him. Not demand from Him. Wait on Him, trusting in Who He is. Trusting that He is merciful, gracious, patient, loving, faithful, just, and righteous. Knowing that He is our help and protector. In His perfect timing. In His perfect way. In His perfect will.
Waiting like this is very difficult for most of us. We aren’t a people who enjoy waiting. We have overnight delivery and microwave ovens so we don’t have to wait. Most of us are terrible at waiting. Fretting. Worrying. Agitating. We want to make things happen and we know that God can make anything happen. However, in Christ, we must discipline our hearts, minds, and souls to trust that God is perfect in His knowledge, wisdom, goodness, and will. He knows how and when to make things happen for our ultimate good.
So, how are you at waiting for the Lord to move? Are you able to still your soul, devoting seasons of waiting to reading Scripture, praying, and praising God? Or do you fret? Worry? Pester? Do you try to “help” God? The Bible gives us many examples of people who waited for the Lord – for years, decades, or even centuries. People like Joseph, Abraham, Moses, Paul, and the nation of Israel itself. For those who waited for Him, God repeatedly showed Himself to be trustworthy. Those who struggled to wait often suffered unfortunate consequences of their impatience. So, whatever’s going on in your life, work on your waiting! Sometimes to #FollowJesus requires faithful waiting.