Press Pause

As a noun, waiting is described as a pause or delay, but, as an adjective, waiting is all about serving or being in attendance. One description seems passive, the other, active.

The Bible is full of people who had to actively wait on God. There was Noah, who under God’s instruction began a building project that took approximately a hundred years to complete, trusting in faith that eventually the rain God promised would fall from the sky. Noah’s obedience to God saved his family and ours.

The writer of today’s psalm, King David, was anointed by God as a boy, but waited in exile for over fifteen years, before taking his rightful place on the throne of Israel. As an imperfect warrior king, he’s still a living example today (through the Word of God) that intimacy with God is not about sinlessness, but rather a matter of a truly repentant heart.

Jesus had to wait thirty years before God released Him into ministry, three more years before He would glorify His Father on the cross, and then three days in the tomb before being resurrected; defeating death for all mankind.

The disciples were instructed by Christ to wait for the promised gift of the Holy Spirit who came upon them at Pentecost, empowering simple men to preach, heal, deliver, and obey with boldness and authority. The Church today is alive because of these men and women.

Waiting on God can be challenging and frustrating as we see in the Scriptures, but never in vain, and certainly not inactive. As I read today’s psalm, I see that waiting can be a quiet pause filled with hope, if I can only allow all that I am to be present in the waiting. To wait with expectancy and a desire to serve God in the waiting, or to be in attendance, is an act of faith, which is requires exertion and is a choice.

As my mum was taking her last breaths, I remember holding mine, waiting in faith for Jesus to come for her as He promises in John Chapter 14. I didn’t know what I was waiting for, but when the moment came, and the pause was over, my life was forever changed. I wasn’t expecting the presence of the Lord to be so powerful in the room. I think I may have expected Him to send an angel, or someone else, but He Himself came to escort my mum to the place that He Himself had prepared for her. And she knew the way!

Maybe today you find yourself waiting on God. Can I encourage you to choose to fill the pause with quietness as you hope in Him? You’re not waiting on something, you’re waiting on someone; Jesus, and He’s worth the wait.

Prayer: Father in heaven; forgive me for my impatience in the wait. I choose today to fill the pause with quietness, and a heart that wants to serve You, as I wait for Your perfect will to be accomplished in my life, Your way, not mine. Amen.