I don’t know of anyone who likes to wait! It seems we are being asked to “wait” a lot lately. We have become so accustomed to instant gratification that waiting is seldom any more. We have insta-cart, on-line banking, drive-through windows, and mobile apps that meet our every demand almost from the moment we tap, touch, or talk to the screen. Waiting is hard
Most of us have heard the proverb, “Good things come to those who wait” and yet somehow the pains of hoping and expecting what is yet to be can be almost unbearable. We want the “good thing” without the wait!
Wait upon the Lord
Christ Himself, reminds us in Isaiah 40:31, “But they that WAIT upon the Lord shall be renewed in strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not grow weary; they shall walk and not be faint.”
Interesting isn’t it? Waiting actually produces strength, renewal, and energy! Why? Because in the waiting we are not so busy, nor are we overloaded in thought, consumed by activity. We are not running to and fro and filling our lives with frivolous and unnecessary things. We are still, quiet, contemplative, and far less stressed!
The Psalmist offers us this challenge in Chapter 46, verse 10; “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations and will be exalted in the earth.”
The recent world events have certainly curtailed our level of activity and have caused us to cease our busyness if only for a season. We are all in a state of stillness and increased quiet. It is here that God is at work! He is doing something! He is calling our attention to Him, and He is providing for us an opportunity for strength, renewal, and vitality! That is the “good thing” that is our benefit to enjoy! If in the waiting we will turn our attention to the sweet savor of His presence and taste of His fellowship! “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8)
To be expectant or to hope
Take a look at the word “anticipation”; it means to be expectant or to hope. What are you expecting? Is there something for which you hope? Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” That is His promise to us! Our days should not be filled with fear, dread, or worry but rather we are to look ahead and be filled with great anticipation! There is something wonderful planned and purposed for you by Almighty God! He knows what lies ahead and reminds us that in His sovereign plan there is a future that is bright.
So how are you doing in the waiting? Is the anticipation of the good that is yet to come causing you to wait with hope and expectancy? Look back at the latter part of Psalm 46:10. God says that He will be exalted in the waiting! In other words, He will be revealed to us and to the world in ways unimaginable; so watch, look, hope, expect!! “Therefore with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” (1Peter 1:13).
Oh dear one, we are not limited by the constraints of this world, not the frailties of this life! We belong to a heavenly kingdom where our future is sure and boundless, removed from time and without grief, suffering, sickness, pain, or loss. It is in our quiet contemplation where we actualize our faith and realign our thinking; where our awareness of whose we are and our purpose here comes full circle. Our renewed strength comes so that we can press on and finish our course. “Our endurance is inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ”. (1 Thess. 1:3). And, the hope to which
he has called us lies in “the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” (Ephesians 1:18b)
Anticipate! Hope! Expect! There is a crown of righteousness awaiting you! (2 Timothy 4:8) But, while you are anticipating that moment of greatest reward, WAIT well!! Be filled with hope, renewed in strength, and hold to your faith in Christ! Hebrews 10:23 says this, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess; for He who promised is faithful.” And when she rises, she waits with great anticipation! Her reward is at hand!
Amen!
Read also: I Know Who Holds Tomorrow
