Benefits of Waiting

Benefits of Waiting

Scripture Reading: Psalm 27:1-14

Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; yet, wait for the LORD.           (Ps. 27:14 NASB)

Why is it so hard to wait? We live in a fast paced society. Everyone wants instant gratification. Young and old alike want it—right now! When we have to wait in line for a long time we let people know by our body language that we are displeased. If we don’t get an immediate response to our wishes, we fuss, fume, stomp our feet, stare menacingly at the offender. I remember when my kids were little they used temper tantrums to get what they wanted. It almost never worked, but that didn’t stop them from trying.

     The other day I waited what seemed like forever for the traffic light to turn green, and just as it was turning green I saw out of the corner of my eye a car racing to beat the yellow light. He didn’t make it, but that didn’t stop him from racing on through the intersection even though the light had turned red. This happens all the time in the big city, and numerous accidents, some fatal, happen because people aren’t willing to slow down and wait. There seems to be no regard for others. No concern for the consequences that happen from impatient decisions. No fear of oncoming traffic. Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! It seems that people on the street have an, “I have to get ahead of the other guy” attitude.

     God isn’t in a hurry. He doesn’t count time like we do. With God “a single day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a single day.” (2 Peter 3:8) He could have created the day in a single moment; instead he took his good old time. Six days of twenty-four hours in a day = one hundred and forty four hours = eight thousand six hundred forty minutes =five hundred eighteen thousand four hundred seconds. God wasn’t into “instant gratification.” He wanted everything to be just perfect. That’s why at the end of each day he said, “It is good.”

     Are you aware that growth and maturity in the Christian life takes a lifetime to complete? That’s why the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:6: “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (NLT) Nothing comes easily and nothing comes quickly. The Holy Spirit needs time to adjust our attitudes, correct our missteps, and deepen our faith.  

     Waiting develops patience, and I sure do need patience. Waiting gives me time to reflect upon God’s goodness. Waiting helps me learn the ways of God. Waiting strengthens my resolve. The next time you face a difficult situation, slow down and wait upon the Lord.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me slow down my pace and wait patiently for your direction.