Learning To Wait Patiently On The Lord

In review of Psalm 27:14 it says, “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart.”

Bottom Line:

Wait patiently for the Lord, for He will strengthen your heart.

What this means to me:

I often get impatient, however His Word tells me to be patient, wait for Him to intervene. Meanwhile be brave, stouthearted and courageous. He will not let me down.

Today's passage comes from Psalm 27. This psalm speaks of God’s offer of help today and to provide hope for the future. My unwavering confidence in God is an antidote for fear and loneliness. In this Psalm, David starts with saying that the Lord is our light and salvation, so why should we be afraid. The Lord protects us from danger. David asks the Lord to teach us how to live and to lead us along the right paths. David tells of how he has confidence in seeing the Lord's goodness. So we should be brave and courageous and wait patiently for the Lord.

I'm reminded this morning that I too can conquer fear by trusting in the Lord, who brings salvation. David was communicating in this psalm that his greatest desire was to live in God's presence each day of his life. Sadly I can always say the same. I need to consider what I desire most? Am I looking forward to being in the presence of the Lord?

It more natural to run to God when I experience difficulties. But David sought God's guiding presence every day. When trouble came his way, he was already in God's presence and prepared to handle any test. I can call on God for help at any time, but how shortsighted it would be to call on Him only when troubles come. Many of my problems could be avoided or handled far more easily by seeking God's help and direction beforehand.

David knew from experience what it meant to wait for the Lord. He had been anointed king at age 16, but didn't become king until he was 30. During the interim years, he had been chased through the wilderness by jealous King Saul. David had to wait on God for the fulfillment of his promise to reign. Later, after becoming king, he was chase by his rebellious son, Absalom.

Waiting for God is not easy. Often it seems that he isn't answering my prayers or doesn't understand my situation. That kind of thinking however, implies that God is not in control or is not fair. But what I’m learning is that God is worth waiting for. God often uses time of waiting to refresh, renew, or teach me. I should make good use of my waiting times by discovering what God may be trying to teach me in them.

So I don’t have to be discouraged over what didn’t work out. It’s not over until God says it’s over. He may well be working behind the scenes on my behalf, beyond where my eyes can see.  Waiting on the Lord can be a lifelong lesson. The sooner I learn it, the better off I will be. When the time is right, God’s plan will completely unfold and I’ll be left saying, “Aha! This is what God had intended for me all along!”  So I can be encouraged today. God is the Master of the “Aha” moments and He will complete the good work He has started in me.