How are You Waiting?

We live in a society, a day in age for that matter, where waiting is something we aren't very accustomed to doing. There's just no much that you and I have to wait on or for these days.

For instance...

~Need something for dinner? Head to the nearest fast food restaurant or pop something in the microwave, and wa-la... dinner is served.

~Out and about and need to call a friend? Never mind waiting until you get home to give her a call; just pick up your cell phone, hit #2 because you have her on speed dial, and talk until your heart's content.

~Is there a special event on your calendar you want to look nice and tan for? Not a problem! Forget the real sun and now even the tanning bed; get a spray on tan!

~Forgot that your mom's birthday is tomorrow and now it's too late to send her a card through snail mail? Don't panic... send her an e-card, with music, for free!!

Are you with me here? Waiting has become a lost art. While I am thankful modern technology has afforded us the freedom to hurry along in doing some things, with that freedom, I'm afraid, has come an attitude of impatience.

What does God's Word have to say about waiting? How are we to wait? What are we to do in our waiting? Over the next few days we are going to discuss this concept of waiting.

In Psalm 27 verse 14, the Psalmist David tells us that we are to "wait for the LORD."

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your
heart take courage;

yes, wait for the LORD."

Psalm 27:14, NASB (emphasis added)

"Waiting" here is the transliteration of the Hebrew word qawah which carries with it the idea of expecting, hoping in, patiently waiting for.

Webster's Dictionary defines "wait" in the following way, to remain stationary in readiness or expectation; to look forward expectantly.

Inevitably, there will be times in our lives when the Lord will have us in a position of waiting. In fact, you may be there at this very moment; waiting for the Lord to show you the next step you are to take. As you and I wait during these time, what are we supposed to do? How are we to behave?

Let's revisit what the Psalmist said. He said that we are to, "Wait for the LORD." During those times of waiting we ARE NOT to gripe and complain, moan and groan, whine and fuss, stomp our feet and pitch a fit; instead, we are to wait in faith. We are to remain where we are patiently waiting for what the Lord has next for our lives. We are to expectantly look forward, with hope, knowing that what's coming from Him is for our good and His glory.

In Isaiah 8:17, we read that Isaiah was in a time of waiting. He was waiting for the LORD to turn His face back toward the house of Jacob. While Isaiah waited he was not nonchalantly going about his day, bidding his time as the minutes ticked away, he was not gripping and complaining, begging the LORD to hurry things along; he was eagerly looking for the LORD to turn His face back toward His people.

"And I will wait for the LORD who is hiding
His face from the house of Jacob;

I will even look eagerly for Him."

Isaiah 8:17, NASB (emphasis added)

So how are we to wait? We are to wait in eager and patient anticipation for what the Lord is going to do in our lives. We are to wait with great hope because His is our help and our shield (Psalm 33:20).

Are you in a "waiting" place right now? How are you waiting? Are you waiting with eager and patience anticipation for what the Lord is going to do in your life? Or, are you grumbling and complaining, begging Him to hurry things along?

Let me encourage you today Beloved to, "wait for the LORD" and "look eagerly for Him."