Wait on the Lord.

“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” ­– Psalm 27:14 NLT

Waiting on God can be hard work. Or at least it seems to feel that way. His timing is not the same as mine. His answers don’t always come when I want or expect them. Sometimes it feels as if He is delaying needlessly. But the truth is that God is always on time and His answers are always right. These are just a few of the lessons David was learning about His God. The Psalms he wrote are daily journals of his thoughts, cares and concerns – expressed to God in an open and honest style that we all should try to emulate. David didn’t pull any punches with God, telling Him exactly what he was feeling. He called out for salvation because he was in trouble. He claimed his own innocence. He cried out for retribution against his enemies. But more than anything else, he placed his faith and trust in God. While he had much to fear (with Saul in hot pursuit every day), he was learning to rely on God. “The LORD is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid? The LORD protects me from danger – so why should I tremble?” (Psalm 27:1 NLT). Through the experiences of life, David was learning that His God could be trusted. “For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock” (Psalm 27:5 NLT).

While David longed for the persecution to stop and for the days of running to come to an end, he desired something even more. He wanted to know God and His plan for his life. “Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me along the path of honesty, for my enemies are waiting for me to fall” (Psalm 27:11 NLT). He desired a relationship with God more than anything else. He was learning to view God not based on his circumstances or situation in life, but on His character. God was good. God was faithful. He would deliver. He would protect. While David couldn’t trust anyone else, He was learning that he could trust God. But sometimes that trust required waiting. It required patient endurance. God has a plan and He is always working that plan to perfection. But not always according to our desires or timing. Later on his life David would write the familiar words, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths (Psalm 3:5-6 NLT). Waiting on the Lord requires trust. Trust requires patience. Patience teaches us to seek His will, not our own. Seeking His will demands that we give up our own. But always for our own good.

Father, David was learning. Sometimes I think I’m not. At least, I seem to be a slow learner. But thank You for Your patience and mercy. You continue to teach me through the circumstances of life. Help me to see what David saw. Help me to see Your power, presence, protection, and persistent care for my spiritual and physical well-being. Amen

Ken Miller
Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org