Learning To Wait Patiently On Him To Act

In review of Psalm 37:7 it says, “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act” (NLT).

Today’s verse comes from the first part of Psalm 37:1-8. Throughout this psalm, the psalmist is telling me to trust in the Lord and wait patiently for him to act. He tells me to not worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong, for they will fade away and wither. Rather, I am to trust in the Lord and do good. When I do this I can live safely in this world and prosper. I’m to take delight in the Lord, for he is the one who can give me my heart's desires. So commit everything I do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help me. He will make my innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of my cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from my rage! Do not lose my temper, as it only leads to harm.

Like the psalmist tells me, I should never envy evil people, even though they may be extremely popular or excessively rich. No matter how much they have, it will all fade or vanish. When I follow God I live differently from the wicked and, in the end, will have far greater treasures in heaven. What evil people get here on earth may last a lifetime, but what I get as a follower of Jesus will last forever.

I'm called to take delight in and commit every I have and do to him. To delight someone means to experience great pleasure and joy in his or her presence. This happens only when I know that person well, and when I have been a faithful friend. This, to delight in the Lord, I must know him better and be faithful in my relationship with him. Knowledge of God's great love for me should give me delight. To commit myself, means to entrust everything to his control and guidance. It means to trust in him, believing that he can care for me better than I can myself. I should be willing to wait patiently for him to work out what is best for me.

Lastly, anger is a destructive emotion. At its core, it reveals a lack of faith that God loves us and in control. I should never allow my anger to distract me; instead, I should trust in God, giving myself to him for his use and safekeeping. When I dwell on my problems, I will become anxious and angry. But if i concentrate on God and his goodness, I will find peace.

What I’m learning is that the reason why most people never hear God speak is that they never slow down enough to let God talk to them. Hurry is the death of prayer! I’ve got to slow down. I’ve got to be quiet. And I’ve got to wait expectantly.

The best way to do this is if you get up earlier, so you’re not rushed and you’re able to spend some time and start your day with God.

If I was told that tomorrow at 4 a.m. I would be meeting with the queen of England, the president of the U.S., and the pope privately, you probably wouldn’t even go to bed. I’d do what I could to be prepared ahead of time, even be at the appointment 30 minutes early.

Well, the Creator of the universe wants to meet with me! I don’t even have to get dressed up. But I do have to plan an appointment. That means I have to stop doing something so I can start doing what God wants. I’ve got to decide what’s more important to me: another 30 minutes of entertainment or time with God.

Bottom Line:

Be still and wait patiently for him to act.

What this means to me:

I need to learn to be still in the presence of the Lord. I need to learn to wait patiently for him to act. He knows what is best for me.

My day will get filled with lots of important responsibilities, commitments, and activities. But time with God is the most vital appointment that can appear on my calendar!  Don’t let anything get in the way. Don’t let anything hurry it. Take time to read and absorb God’s word. Continue to journal and most importantly take action on what I’m learning and put it into practice. Learn to be quiet and to patiently wait on him and his timing, to trust him with the outcome. While I’m patiently waiting I am to good regardless of my feelings or emotions. Don’t lose my temper. Concentrate on what lies ahead.

I pray this morning Father that you will help me to be quiet and listen to what you are telling me. Allow me to absorb it today, and keep me free from worry, fear and anger. Allow me to respond in a way that serves others and ultimately makes a difference in their lives.