Developing the characters that will help us to wait on Him
From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help. Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer… I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn. Psalm 130:1-2, 5-6
“No one is available to answer your call right now, but if you will leave a message we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.” Or you hear a message at the other end, “Please hold; someone will be with you shortly.” You were seeking an answer to your concern yet all you receive is a voicemail at the other end asking to wait or to call again. These are at times reasons to get annoyed, impatient, or angry. Waiting is a dreaded activity in life. But the Lord promises to bless those who are willing to wait on Him. He provides joy to those who are willing to wait for His answer and responds with obedience. “Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home!” (Proverbs 8:34). What characters do we need to develop as we learn how to wait on the Lord? We need patience. This means that we will let go of our attitude that tends to make us complain and grumble instead learn how to trust that God will give us His answer. Patience is an attitude because of the Holy Spirit working in us. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives…patience” (Galatians 5:22). When we yield to the working of the Holy Spirit within us, we are transformed and the attitude of trust gets developed. It is trust in God that helps us to learn that He is good, His purposes are what we need to have in our lives, and His plans are worth waiting for because they are expressions of His love. Steadfastness is also a character that we need to develop as we learn to wait on Him. When you are committed to His ways, you will experience His peace as well. “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3). Learning how to be expectant is also what God asks us to develop as we learn how to wait on Him. God keeps His word and will always be true to His promises. “Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. For the Lord hears the cries of the needy” (Psalm 69:32-33). Even when there are times that God seemed to be silent or not listening to our cries, remain strong in seeking Him. Continue to remain faithful for in due season you will receive His answer. When times of delay seemed to be extended, stand firm and not be moved. “Hope in the Lord for with the Lord there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows” (Psalm 130:7). Do we have what it takes to learn how to wait on the Lord? Even when the world asks us to compromise and God wants us to seek His wisdom and learn how to wait, let the will of the Lord prevail in our lives. We will always find it easier to wait upon the Lord when we know we can trust His word.
Blessings,
