The Blessing of Waiting

Are you in a season of waiting on the Lord’s timing or direction for something in your life? Maybe in a relationship, ministry or job opportunity, or your future in general?

This is the season that God has had me in for the last many months, and it has been hard! I am, by nature, a planner. I love having a goal, something I can be working for or towards--so having no clear direction for my future has been difficult. Waiting truly is hard! In fact, a season of waiting can be one of the hardest things in our walk with Christ.

It is easy to become discouraged, and the enemy tries to make us feel like it is a wasted time. But it is not! In fact, it is quite the opposite. It is an opportunity to put your faith into practice in anticipation of God's future plans for your life. Waiting seasons aren’t dry and purposeless; they are beautiful and important.

Did you know that in Scripture, when it says to “wait on the Lord,” the word “wait” in Hebrew actually means to take time to linger in God’s presence?! How incredible is that! So to ‘wait on the Lord’ does not mean to stay where we are or delay in action until something else happens. It means to take time to linger in His presence and grow closer to Him. I heard someone describe it like tying a knot--you wrap yourself around the Lord as He wraps Himself around you until you become totally entwined with Him!

Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord.” It is a time to strengthen your heart! And it doesn't mean doing nothing. God still has a purpose for us. It may be as simple as serving those around you, encouraging one person in your life, and just doing the very next thing He sets before you.

There is a song I've been listening to recently that says it well...

And I will move ahead bold and confident

Taking every step in obedience

While I'm waiting I will serve You

While I'm waiting I will worship

While I'm waiting I will not faint

I'll be running the race even while I wait

So is it still hard? Yes, it is. And even though God has brought me clarity on some things, I am still waiting for His direction for my future. But, I am filled with joy in the waiting because I know that God’s timing and plan is always perfect, and this season is a gift that He has given me. An invitation to linger in the presence of the King!

~Faith