“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” — Psalm 27:14
Waiting for the Lord must be awfully important. I say this because it seems like almost everything in life is enveloped in waiting for Him. Everyone waits. We wait not only for birth and death, but even on a daily basis, we wait. Think about it. Today you waited; tomorrow you will wait again. In other words, all of life’s ups and downs, all encouragements (and discouragements) happen, as we wait for the Lord.
There are times we anticipate what our Good Father might give us. It’s like the excitement of opening a well wrapped present. Or, it’s similar to anticipating a dream vacation — we surmise all that it could possibly be. Of course, at other times, we cringe and writhe in anguish at the realities of living life in a fallen world. It’s so hard when we come face-to-face with sin, sickness and death.
How do we reckon this state of being? Honestly, there are times when I feel like I stayed on the merry-go-round for too long and I’m stumbling around. The psalmist tells us to be strong. I don’t think he’s only referring to us getting some physical exercise. Although that’s important, it won’t get us through the wait in and of itself. Indeed, I believe there is a spiritual strength that is even more significant.
Spiritual Strength
“I love you, O Lord, my strength.” — Psalm 18:1
Contemplating the Lord as my “strength” helps me shake off the dizziness this life can bring. God’s love for us is strong. Certainly, it calms me when I’m lonely and holds me close in the endless storms of waiting. I am thrilled as I’m carried along in applying faith to do the impossible. As a result, I rest assured, knowing that waiting on the Lord is never done alone. Jesus is always with me. He will never leave me nor forsake me.
Think again of this verse (Psalm 27:14, “…and let your heart take courage…”). This Truth reminds me that much of my waiting needs to be done in a surrendered place. It can only happen with a spiritual strength. Surely, this is beyond what I’m capable of. Wait for the Lord. Know that not only is He with us now, but He has promised to come back for us. We will be with Him for all eternity. Therefore, I find comfort in knowing that one day our waiting will come to an end.
So, as for this life? I’ll just be here…waiting.
Posted in A Word from the Pastor, Uncategorized