The wait can be difficult. There are various times that we must wait – in line at the store or office, test results from the doctor or school, and prayer for family or friends. Each of these usually take a different amount of ‘wait’ time, yet they still hold weight in the wait.
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word, I put my hope. Psalm 130:5
Wait in line …
There are times when we just don’t want to wait. We run into the store to grab a few items and then pick the wrong line. I see the frustration on people’s faces and hear the heavy sighs of waiting for the doctor. DMV … We have all been there. It is inevitable that we must wait. So why not have a good attitude while we do it. I have come across many a grumpy person in line. We all have bad days, we all have struggles, our minds are preoccupied with the strains and stresses of life. Do we really need to allow our stresses to become other people’s irritants? Also, let’s think of the cashiers, do they deserve our garbage? It goes back to the golden rule.
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12
Oh, to have the essence of God, to bask in His essence. I go back to this verse over and over. There are times when I fail. We will always fail, but the point is to recognize, ask for forgiveness and try again.
Wait for test results …
Test results can create all kinds of anxiety, from a simple high school math exam to the results from a doctor exam. This type of wait may take a little longer to get through, but we can persevere. I have had to wait on these kinds of results. Not much fun, but it has strengthened my dependence on God.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:2
Many times, in scripture it states that God is our rock and fortress. Remember, when we put our dependence on Him, He guards us. Regardless of the test results, remember this verse. It doesn’t say that He will be your rock if … No, He will always be your rock. The verse also says, ‘He alone’. No one else can give you the peace from positive or negative results. Turn to Him in all circumstances, He is unwavering in His strength and guidance.
Wait during prayer …
Prayer is vital, but remember that we may not receive the desired answers. There are times when we pray for days, weeks, or years. Jesus says to keep asking.
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
Jesus wants us to ask. He wants us to talk to freely and openly, giving all our requests to Him. We may not get the answer we want, but we will receive the answer we need. He has our best interests in mind, always.
Be encouraged, waiting on God will take patience and fortitude. However, if we continue to be grateful by treating others the way we want to be treated, depending on God as our rock, and continually seeking Him in pray, then He will guide us in our wait.