The Waiting Game
“I wait for the LORD more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning” Psalm 130:6
A few months back, there was a viral challenge circulating on social media which tested the willpower of toddlers. Dubbed the candy challenge, small children sat in front of a bowl filled with sweets, waiting for their parents to return to give the go-ahead for consumption. The level of patience for each toddler varied, as did the candy that was at stake. But, throughout each video, there was one common theme: a wait time. And the more I watched, the more I realized that the proclivity to wait is not innate.
In Psalm 130, the Psalmist likens his experience of waiting to the prospect of watchmen waiting for the morning. In biblical poetry, the morning usually symbolizes breakthrough and deliverance – when the light comes and the darkness ends. After exercising patience, it is assured that with God, the salvation and relief so desperately sought after will arrive. But, until it comes, how do we manage our time in between?
From this passage the Psalmist can teach us three lessons on how to wait:
1) Wait with a Right Spirit
We all have the opportunity to be restored into right relationship with God through the gift of salvation. Nonetheless, when we do sin, we know that forgiveness is available and forgiveness allows us to stand before the Lord as the righteousness of God in Christ. (Psalm 130:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Therefore, no sin can hinder our prayers from being answered if we are willing to bring it before God and repent. Together, confession, repentance and God’s forgiveness renew a right spirit within us and permit us to fellowship with God freely.
2) Wait with Expectation
When you wait on God, believe in faith that God’s Word stands. There is a guarantee on the Word of God because His Word does not return unto Him void (Isaiah 55:11). For this reason, you can take God at His Word because if He said it, He will do it. He is faithful to perform His Word and only God has the capacity to do what HE said in YOUR life. Since His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8), do not limit God to working in the ways that are familiar to you. Instead, know what your responsibility is, and then trust God to carry out His. Lastly, because the Word of God never fails, expect that His Word will come to pass in His timing.
3) Wait for it but do not Worship it
While you wait, you must be determined to keep your composure. The Psalmist notes that he waits with His whole being; His soul waits for the Lord according to Psalm 130:5. With this inward posture the Psalmist maintains, he endures through the process with consistent worship. Rather than idolizing the desire, continue to worship God for who He is and not simply for what He does. Spend your time worshipping while you wait and because of God’s faithfulness you won’t be overcome by the weight of the wait.
Often, we have no choice but to wait. And so, during the process, remember that patience is a virtue we have to cultivate.
Reflection: Do you have the tendency to be impatient? Are you waiting for the morning or are you worshipping it?
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for sustaining me during my time of waiting. God, it’s never easy, but I know what You have for me is worth it. I pray God now and I ask for forgiveness for any sins so that I may wait with the right spirit. And as I wait, may I worship You for who You are. In Jesus name, Amen.
Written by Deborah Nimoh
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