In Touch - May 18, 2005

Wednesday May 18, 2005

The Grace to Wait

Psalm 62:1-2, 5-6 

No one likes to wait because waiting implies we are not in control. Whether we are in line at the market or on hold with the electric company, someone else appears to be in charge of the situation. But scooting into the checkout lane that suddenly opens lets us think we have reasserted dominance over our own life. Unfortunately, when we as Christians cling to the illusion of control, we sacrifice a vital principle of a blessed life. We will never grow in our relationship with God until we learn to wait upon Him.

To pause for further instruction from the Lord is not the same as passive nonchalance. Instead, we are purposefully anticipating God’s intervention in our life. While we wait, He is working—preparing hearts and orchestrating circumstances. We can have absolute confidence He will respond in the best way at the right time.

David knew a great deal about waiting. God promised him the throne of Israel and then allowed him to be made a fugitive for a decade. As blood-thirsty King Saul pursued him, David learned a valuable lesson: “My soul finds rest in God alone” (Psalm 62:1). On two occasions, David could have killed Saul, but he dared not do it. He recognized that controlling circumstances to seize the throne violated God’s will and timeline.

Learning to pause for instructions demands two things of us. First, we must be sensitive to God’s voice, which requires that we read His Word and ask Him to speak to our heart. Second, we must trust Him. If we wait upon the Lord, we will receive His best.

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