Why is it so hard to wait? Is it because it’s hard for us to stop doing things and just be still? It is because we’re not in control and have to rely on someone else to respond, do something or fulfill a request? What are we in a hurry to do or where are we in a rush to go?
I’m a pretty patient person in most circumstances, but it’s still sometimes hard for me to wait. I got lots of practice in the last few years and don’t want to forget the lessons I learned – lessons about perseverance, trust, sacrifices of praise, and surrender.
The Bible has much to say about waiting on God and all the good that can result. Here are just some of the blessings that come from waiting on God:
- Help – Psalm 40:1
- Rescue – Psalm 59:9
- Victory – Psalm 62:1
- Answers – Psalm 38:9
- God will work things out for those who wait – Isaiah 64:4
- Fresh, renewed strength – Isaiah 40:31
- Receive what God has promised – Hebrews 6:15, Romans 15:4
- Justice – Job 35:14
- Reward – Luke 12:37
- Hope – Romans 8:25
- God is good to those who wait – Lamentations 3:25-26
- Awareness of God’s presence – Psalm 37:7
There are plenty of things we can do while we wait: thank God for things and people and more, praise Him, talk about Him, read His word, think about Him, and sometimes just be completely quiet, letting our minds and hearts be at peace.
I like these lyrics from a song by Shane Barnard:
i will run when i cannot walk
i will sing when there is no song
i will pray when there is no prayer
i will listen when i cannot hear
sitting in the waiting room of silence
waiting for that still soft voice i know
offering my words up to the rooftop to Your heart
trusting that this closet’s where You are
Lord i know if i change my mind
You will change my heart in time
Sovereign Lord this time’s from You
so i sit in the waiting room of silence
cause its all about You
Waiting is difficult because we are impatient people. We want results and we want them now. I find I even have this mentality sometimes when I sit down to have quiet time with God. I want to hear him right away, I want a feeling or sensation of His presence and I forget that sometimes I just need to be patient. I find that it is always worth the wait.
Along the Narrow Path 
awesome, Meems! Instant gratification is such a lure, waiting is not nearly as “fun”. God knows what we need and I love all the references about what we get from waiting…our God is such an awesome God! I love you and miss you, sister!
Mimi, You have a marvelous gift of writing encouraging words regarding circumstances and needs right where your readers live and have concerns – like me for instance. I appreciate your writings so much.
Love and prayers, Grandma Flynt