Waiting is one of the most challenging lessons in life all of us get to learn. How many of you have wanted to learn to be more patient? That’s when we discover the only way to learn patience that will make a lasting impression…is waiting.
Deveopmental specialists tell us that children under five years old are all about instant gratification. Delayed gratification is learned. Some of us have a tougher time growing up than others.
I’m not actually talking about Nellie Belle waiting for me to catch up or a child waiting for Christmas. This is more about waiting without answers.
I’m talking about a couple who want to start a family but for reasons beyond their control are waiting. Or the parents of a prodigal experiencing the aguish of waiting for the child to come to their senses. Or having to back off from a loved one who is addicted or depressed and refuses to admit any problem exists.
It could be anything we hunger and thirst for but it still seems so far away. Matthew 5:6 says, “God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.” More than not the one waiting cries out “How long!?!”
As I read Psalm 25 I find myself wanting to interject comments such as: REALLY? What you promise is not exactly what I am feeling; I know your word is true, but my current experience is telling me otherwise; What do you want me to do to get out of this pain? Please take away this pain; When will this end? Teach me! Give me eyes to see and ears to hear and a heart to follow humbly…PLEASE!
Psalm 25:1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
3 Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
6 Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11 For your name’s sake, O Lord,
pardon my guilt, for it is great.
12 Who is the man who fears the Lord?
Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.
13 His soul shall abide in well-being,
and his offspring shall inherit the land.
14 The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him,
and he makes known to them his covenant.
15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
for he will pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
18 Consider my affliction and my trouble,
and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider how many are my foes,
and with what violent hatred they hate me.
20 Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!
Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
for I wait for you.
22 Redeem Israel, O God,
out of all his troubles.
King David expresses a natural and full range of emotions in this Psalm. He confesses sin, he pleads to know the truth. At times he pointedly, reminds God of the promises He made to His people. David knows God sees him, but he is honest with God about how hard it is to wait.
Some of you know all about the seemingly hidden faithfulness of God through the waiting. Some do not. Trust me, it is worth it. Sometimes I do not understand what God is doing, or just plain ole don’t care for His timing. When that happens I often turn to King David. How he finishes Psalm 27 is a favorite of mine and it helps me in the waiting.
13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.
14 Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14
What do you have to wait for? How are you doing in the waiting? I love feedback….
