Waiting

 Do you find it tedious to wait in line, to wait for an appointment, or to wait, period? The reason we struggle with waiting most of the time is the reward doesn’t seem worth the time spent. You know you want a cup of coffee, but the line is around the corner so you just say forget it.

David expresses his willingness to wait for the Lord in the following passage. He trusts in God's providence and lovingkindness. When faced with adversity, he asks God to lead him through the trials that chase after him and those that lay before him.

A Psalm of David. To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust, Do not let me be ashamed; Do not let my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed; Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed. Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day (Psalms 25:1-5).

For the believer there is more than a flight or fight response to trials. There is faith and prayer. David knows that God is bigger than his problems. He also knows to call upon God for wisdom. However, he first acknowledges his sin.

Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; According to Your lovingkindness remember me, For Your goodness' sake, O LORD. Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and truth To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. For Your name's sake, O LORD, Pardon my iniquity, for it is great (Psalms 25:7-11).

Are you in a difficult situation today? Don’t try to solve your problems alone. Call upon your gracious God and trust Him. That is not to say your situation will not require action on your part, but let it be prayerfully guided action if action is required.

Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose. His soul will abide in prosperity, And his descendants will inherit the land. The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant. My eyes are continually toward the LORD, For He will pluck my feet out of the net. Turn to me and be gracious to me, For I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; Bring me out of my distresses. Look upon my affliction and my trouble, And forgive all my sins. Look upon my enemies, for they are many, And they hate me with violent hatred. Guard my soul and deliver me; Do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You (Psalms 25:12-21).