Breathe while you wait~ a Biblical perspective in the waiting
I firmly believe our society has a warped view on waiting. We tend to worry, fret, and over-exert ourselves in trying to figure out the reasons and purposes for a trial we may be within. We over analyze the situation and bask in self pity instead of shifting our thoughts and hope Heavenward.
Christ continuously reminds me of the hope I have in Christ as I wait on Him alone…
Isaiah promises that those “that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary: and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) Recently, I found myself in these moments of waiting. You know, the unbearable moments where you are told, “we will call you with results in 2-3 business days.” Ugh, those words still ring clear in my ears. It’s never a pleasant thing to wait, but when you are a planner and a detailed organizer, waiting tends to be even harder. I found in the immediate moment that my pride reared forth and began questioning—everything. Why now? Why me? I don’t have time for this? I prayed for nothing, God! Money is tight, and this wasn’t something we planned. But, in a still, small, and absolutely compassionate voice He reminded my prideful head to bow and “be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). I love it when He steps in and causes me to rest! Satan jumped in so quickly and did his best to derail my thinking from absolute Biblical truths.
I stepped out of that first visit with a bit of pep in my step and a reminder that the unknown was okay if I directed my thoughts to what God wanted to teach me.
And thus, the waiting began…
When you find yourself in the first stages of resisting God’s plans for you, let it be a reminder to go God-ward! Beg Him to redirect your focus on your faith and trusting. I was constantly reminded to move the burden of trust off of myself and carefully place it back on my Savior. Sometimes it may be in everyday moments and other days it may be within seemingly endless minutes. No matter that moment and the height of the wait, waiting is no waste in God’s eyes. It is within these moments that He works to save us from our own self-sufficiency, our lack of patience, and our wavering faith. He sought, in my moment, to revitalize my faith, hope, and trust in HIM.
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 15:13)
The world tends to sink into their waiting with murmurings of constant complaints, frustrations, and groaning of each bump along the way. I find such hope in running to the Bible to get a different view on my attitude within a wait period. I love studying the life of Paul and the many times of waiting he endured. He was always quick to encourage believers to give thanks in every moment.
“Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:” (Colossians 1:11-12) Seems impossible, right? I mean, who in their right mind desires to give thanks for things we don’t like? Yet, it is possible and it changes our perspectives when we are within those trenches of deep wait. Few things pass the time better than lifting our hearts before God thanking Him for each blessing He has so richly entrusted us with.
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:17)
Sweet readers, I remain human, and I still struggle! But, I’ve found overwhelming peace even when I did not know the final outcome. Perhaps you find yourself amidst a waiting period today, friend. I beg of you to fight the lies Satan throws at you each day. Run to Jesus, and remember that no matter the unwelcome moments in our lives whether they are heavy or trite, they are powerful opportunities to invite God into every crevice of our being and keep our hearts renewed in hope for Him.
