Waiting With Abundant Hope

Hope is well-founded in Psalm 27, one of my favorite psalms. Written by King David, vv

1-3 -he sets aside his fears, vv 4-6 - finds release in communion with God and in prayer

vv 7-14. The word ‘wait’ is in the Bible over 100 times. Obviously, God knew we would

need the repetition. However, who of us in our humanity likes to wait.

Waiting is not just about what you are hoping for at the end of the wait, but also

about what you will become as you wait. God always has something for us, even in a

challenging season. We are encouraged by the prophet Isaiah 64:4, “No ear has ever

heard, no eye ever seen, any God but you working such deeds for those who wait for

Him.” Take a moment to recall the past and how the Lord has blessed and given you

much to hold onto.

Many a time, we ask for strength in caretaking and guidance to manage

increasing demands. God always responds to our prayers, though perhaps not as

quickly as we desire. I heard years ago, God does not say no to prayers. He either

says, yes, right away (the one we like.) Wait awhile (not our favorite) or I have

something better. God sees the entire picture and reveals answers in His way. It is us

(definitely me) who is in a hurry.

In the Bible, stouthearted generally refers to courage, determination and

resilience, especially in the face of adversity. It can be a virtue, reflecting a

steadfastness in faith and purpose. Where are you on this faith journey? Do you need

more courage and determination to wait or are you impatient wanting only your way?

Can this be why God guides us to wait because our faith needs strengthening? As our

relationship with God grows, so do we. God enables us to trust by the circumstances of

our life. It is only in our surrender that God can do a mighty work within us. Maybe God

waits for us more than we wait for answers. Most of us, including myself, resist more

than we accept. Can you believe and trust that God waits patiently in love for us to see

our situations in His eyes?

The psalms are prayers for every mood we are in and allow us to draw closer to

the Lord. Psalm 40 is one of gratitude and a prayer for help. Let us pray with David that

he is thankful for all God has done. Psalm 40:2-4, “Surely, I wait for the Lord, who bends

down to me and hears my cry. Draws me up from the pit of destruction, out of the

muddy clay. Sets my feet upon rock, steadies my steps. And puts a new song in my

mouth, a hymn to our God. Many shall look on in fear, and they shall trust in the Lord.”

Believe that waiting is fruitful even when we do not ‘see’ results. Let us not

underestimate God’s love and powerful Word. “All things are possible with God.” Luke

1:37.