Waiting that leads to reliance and trust
Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation! Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. Psalm 27:7-10
God uses the times that we have to wait on Him to help us grow in our relationship with Him. The Spirit of God will always prompt us to wait on God while the world will tell us to take matters in our hands and just grab the opportunity to take action without recognizing the consequence of such action. Waiting on God to act will be beneficial to us. Even if it makes a little sense to obey God’s command to be still and know that He is God (Psalms 46:10), there are great things that waiting could accomplish in our Christian life. For one, waiting helps us develop in our faith to Him. We grow in patience that produces endurance. “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow” (James 1:3). It also provides us a sure hope that God will not abandon us. “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close” (v. 10). You can reason out with God or make excuses as to why you do not want to wait but only in your willingness to wait that faith can grow. While waiting especially in times of uncertainty or distress, you can be relieved to know that God is there with you and for you. The more you grow in knowing Him while waiting in expectancy, the more you understand His ways and His timing. This will help you face the answer He provides. Once you understand and accept the fact that God is after your well-being then you will realize the value of waiting on Him to respond to your requests. Do not go along with cultural and societal values that promote reliance to ones abilities and tells you that you can just tap into your inner strength. Instead, continue to express your dependence upon God. This will help you become firm in your resolve that you will do what God is directing you to do and not what others are pressuring you to act. Your dependence upon Him demonstrates your trust in Him and the understanding that He is God and He is in control. Waiting on Him is anticipating that God will act and that His directions will mean taking part in His kingdom work. “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord” (Psalms 27:14).
