March 18, 2014— “Is Waiting Really a Discipline?”
Guest Writer: Jan Nash
Scripture: Psalm 40:1 – I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.
Thought for the Day: I’ve often wondered just how long David waited. Whether or not it was hours, days, or even months; David still praised God during his time of delay. Praising God isn’t the first thing on my mind while I’m waiting. I’m usually stifling a yawn or wrestling with inward frustration while waiting in traffic, check-out lines, or in the doctor’s office. Why is waiting so hard? Why does waiting seem to be so terribly unproductive?
On a deeper level, we wait for a job promotion that doesn’t come, for an overdue apology, a lucky break, or for a spouse to change. We even wait for our dreams to come true. But if we look at waiting as a discipline, something magical happens. Suddenly, waiting evolves into unharnessed moments flooded with opportunity.
Author and evangelist, F.B. Meyer said, “What a chapter can be written during God’s delays”. Through the discipline of waiting, we can develop quieter virtues like joyful endurance, submission, humility, and patience. Ah…patience; the hardest and longest virtue to learn.
So, what do we do when God seems to withhold our heart’s desire or grips us in a holding pattern? Maybe, if we embrace the delay with joy while loving, praising, and trusting Him, our waiting opportunities will develop those coveted virtues and add character to next chapter of our lives. That seems like a very productive use of time.
♪♪ Have Your way Lord, have Your way. You’re the potter, I’m the clay. Mold me make me as You will. As I’m waiting while I’m still. ♪♪
The discipline of waiting for God
is never unproductive or a waste of time.
