Waiting

How many of us like waiting? I know it’s not a strong point for me! Waiting on lines at an amusement park, sitting in traffic, sitting in the waiting room at a doctor’s office, and being placed on hold while waiting to speak to a customer service rep are not things I enjoy. Waiting can be difficult.

There are many Bible verses that talk about waiting on the Lord, especially in the Book of Psalms. In fact, Scripture tells us that waiting on the Lord is a good thing, something that has many benefits for us. When we wait on the Lord, He strengthens our hearts (Psalm 31:24). We are given the promise that, when we wait on Him, He will hear our cry (Psalm 40:1) and He will answer us (Psalm 38:15). Those of us who wait on the Lord will inherit the earth (Psalm 37:9).

James 5:7 tells us that we need to wait patiently, just as a farmer does while he waits for his crops to grow. It is through that waiting that the fruit of the earth will grow to the point where it provides the sustenance that our bodies need. The same is true for our hearts and souls when we wait patiently on the Lord. Sometimes time is needed before the thing that we are asking for is truly what we need in our lives.

Waiting requires patience, which is one of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). But patience does not come naturally to us. We need the help of the Holy Spirit for that fruit to grow in us. Patience is a fruit that is well worth receiving. The Bible tells us that patience produces character in us, which in turn produces hope, a hope that will never disappoint us because it comes from God (Romans 5:3-5).

Lord, I pray for patience. Help me to learn the value of this fruit of Your Holy Spirit and to be open to having this fruit grow in my life. Help me also to fully understand the value of waiting on You. You know what is best for me and You know when it is best for me. Help me to have patience as I wait on Your answer to my prayers and as I wait on Your will for my life. I ask all of these things in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen!