A Heart That Waits

Have you ever waited for something in your life? Have you been anticipating a wonderful event but time seems to drag? Have you waited for good to come from the bad and but can’t see the break of dawn? Are you restless, anxious, and almost falling into a state of despair?

Perhaps you have been out of work and nothing is forthcoming, even after exhausting all the possible options. Or you have been trying to have a baby, but nothing has happened. A wayward child has not returned to the faith in years.

Whether the period of waiting has been good or not, we usually have no option than to wait. For instance, couples who are engaged wait to tie the knot. An expectant mother, espcially during the ninth month, counts the days to delivery. Passengers wait to arrive at their destination. Waiting seems to be part of life.

Still, it’s disheartening when there is no change even after playing your part. In the process, you might develop a wrong attitude and start complaining, become angry, or sink into depression.

As much as waiting is not easy, it is better to wait. Like a newborn arriving too early, a blessing that comes before its time may be premature.

God, who is all gracious and compassionate, calls us to wait. The psalmist knew all too well the benefits of waiting when he said, “… wait on the Lord, be of good courage and He shall establish thy heart“ (Psalms 27:14 KJV). We must develop the right attitude as we wait on the Lord’s perfect timing. Patience is the key.

Lord, thank you for reminding me that times and seasons belong to you. You have called us to wait on you and promise that in the process, our strength will be renewed. Forgive me for the times that I have walked in doubt and disbelief. Today, I ask that you will grant me strength to wait patiently till you overturn things for my favor, to the praise and glory of your name. May you give me special grace to trust you even when I can’t see clearly where you are leading me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Go Deeper — Reflect on the times that you have had to wait in the past and detail the outcome and the impact it had on you. It’s always important to remember the faithfulness of God and his promise to act in your best interest in such seasons, so that you can trust him in the now and in the future.

Read Further — Expectant mothers often find the last month the hardest, but all of us can experience “The Ninth Month” of waiting.