Wait!

Wait!
written by Chris Baker

Waiting is a word that can be difficult to hear. In North America, I cannot speak for other parts of the world, we are accustomed to a fast food mentality. We want what we want now, no waiting. In fact, our culture is constantly adjusting to make things quicker and quicker. Point being, we are not accustomed to waiting! Therefore, we may find it difficult when Scripture says to wait or be patient. For many, this is countercultural and difficult. If there is one thing COVID has revealed to us, it’s our often busy and overwhelming schedules. Where is there time to be still? Where is there time to wait upon the Lord? These are words that no longer fit into our lifestyles. However, I believe we should reevaluate their significance! 

Take a moment and read Psalm 37 by clicking here. I would encourage you to read the whole thing, although, I will only be focusing on the first seven verses. David begins the Psalm with a warning. He warns against worrying. David says not to worry about those who appear to be advancing in life through evil means. The Believer should not envy this type of person. They appear to succeed but it will not last. They will go just as quickly as they came. Rather, the Believer should place their hope and trust in the Lord. 

Psalm 37:4 says, “delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (NIV). People often look at the last part of the verse. I am a Christian, therefore, God is supposed to give me all of my desires. However, that is not what the verse says. Notice that little word delight. If we are truly delighting in the Lord, then our desires will be His desires. If we are trusting in the Lord, by seeking to follow His will, and delighting in Him, by finding great pleasure in Him, then our desires will naturally be His desires. In Colossians 1:9-10, “[Paul prays for] God to fill you with knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work” (NIV).

What kinds of desires are in your heart today? Truly ask yourself this question. Examine your desires. What is your motive for them? How will you use this desire? Who will this desire please? Does the desire line up with Scripture? Is it something that brings God joy? 

David challenges us to truly commit our lives to the Lord. We are called to entrust ourselves to God. This is all or nothing. Completely entrust, bind, and join yourself to the Lord. Trust in Him, not your own abilities or wisdom. Completely trust, believe in and hope in Him. If we do, then we will be able to wait patiently on Him. Even when we see others appearing to advance by doing wrong. We can remain still and wait because we have all trust and confidence in the Lord. He will never fail us. Jesus will never abandon us or forsake us. We can place our life in His hands because we trust Him. Hebrews 11:6 says, “without faith it is impossible to please God” (NIV).

According to 1 John 4:13-15, “this is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. ¹⁴ And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. ¹⁵ If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God” (NIV). We can have the very Spirit of God living and dwelling within us. The Believer does not have to wonder what Jesus will do because Jesus lives in you. 

Seek the Lord, desire His will, apply His Word, draw close to Him and you will know His will. Your desires will be fulfilled because they will be His desires for you. Delight yourself in Him, commit your life to Him, wait patiently on Him and you will shine like the dawn. Your heart will change as you begin to reflect the very image of Jesus Christ who is living and dwelling within you! Remember, “this is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit” (1 John 4:13). The Apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:6, “ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (NIV). 

Please click here, to learn more about beginning a relationship with Jesus. 

Jesus, help us to draw closer to you. Please increase our faith because we know that without faith it is impossible to please you. We ask that you would make your desires our desires. Help us to be patient and to trust in you! Thank you for giving us your Holy Spirit and for living and reigning in our hearts. Please do as your Word says and bring our salvation to completion. We long for the day when we can see you face to face! We love you Lord. In Jesus name! Amen.