Waiting On the Lord

Waiting is a very hard thing to do.  When we are waiting for the Lord to answer our prayers or give us direction, we can become impatient.  Sometimes we try to figure out a solution on our own.  Sometimes we get depressed and stop looking for an answer. Or we look for answers in the wrong places.  Sometimes we even start to question if God is listening or if He really loves us.  Often we think that nothing is happening because we have failed to “do something.”  Somehow we erroneously feel that patience and waiting are synonymous with doing nothing.  Actually, Romans 12:12  tells us that  the opposite is true.  While we are waiting on the Lord, we are instructed to remain steadfast in our belief in Christ.  We are to be “joyful in hope,” which means we should confidently expect that God our Father already has a plan for us.  Jeremiah 29:11 says He knows the plans he has for us, and they are always good.  This should bring us joy.  We are to be “patient in affliction”.  That means we trust in the promise of Psalms 30:5 that says though times are hard for the moment, joy will come in the morning. This should help us to expect that something better is on the way.  Finally, we must be “faithful in prayer, “ meaning we must pray consistently (1 Thessalonians 5:17) because we trust in the power of prayer proclaimed in James 5:16.  Waiting involves endurance, perseverance and true commitment (undying trust in God).  While we’re waiting, hold on to hope, keep expecting relief and pray non-stop,  and before we know it,  God will show His power, and His name will be proclaimed (Exodus 9:16).