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Psalm 130:5 "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;"
I'm not sure I've ever met anyone who truly likes to wait. Whether it is in a grocery store line, stuck in traffic or in a doctor's office, having patience is usually a struggle. I believe it's human nature to get where we're going and to get what we want, and do it as quickly as possible. But patience is a very good thing when it comes to discerning God's will for us and making decisions.
The Bible advises us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 to "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Often when making decisions, we wonder what God's will is for us, so this scripture comes in quite handy! God has a perfect plan and purpose for each of us, but we often have to wait to see it unfold. In the meantime, he expects us to rejoice, pray and give thanks to Him, as this shows obedience.
I will be the first to admit that waiting can be difficult sometimes, especially when it seems like it is taking a while to see an answer to prayer. When we are very young, we don't see the wisdom in waiting. Just tell a toddler "not now" or "wait a little while" and you'll see a natural reaction to waiting.
However, as we mature, we should become a little more patient. God sees the greater picture in our lives, who he wants us to be, and how he wants us to get there. I have found life becomes much more satisfying when we trust in God to answer our prayers in His time and in His way.
God hears our prayers, and will answer us, we can be assured of that. We typically see the answer to our prayers the following ways: No, Yes or Wait a bit longer (often heard in silence). So, what should we do while we are waiting?
As the Psalmist writes "in his word I hope." Hope is a wonderful thing, and in scripture we have access to a constant fountain of hope, so we can wait with expectation, knowing that God will give us the best answer possible for us. We also should wait with praise being lifted to God. Doesn't it feel good to be thanked and appreciated? God is pleased with this too!
Praise is powerful and should be spoken often of and to our amazing God. Other good advice is found in Psalm 37:1-3 Trust God and do good. It really can be that simple: trust God, and do good.
This is my challenge for you this week: Trust God to answer your prayers, and wait patiently, with hope and expectation, praise and thanksgiving, read scripture and do as much good as you possibly can.
Remember, you can do all this through our Lord Jesus who gives you strength.
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Finding Faith is written by area pastors. This week's column comes from Pastor Sue Wilson Radel of Forest Baptist Church.