WaitingWhile waiting on the Lord her mind was consumed with numerous questions. Questions such as: How long will I have to wait?  What will the outcome look like? Am I wasting my time waiting? Shouldn’t I be doing something? At that moment she realized she was ringing her hands. Anxiety was now her companion.  Her stress washed over her soul causing weakness, tears, and pain.

Stressing while waiting for the Lord is common for most of us.

  • We stress while waiting for Him to reveal His will as we try to discern what to decide. We toss and turn the pros and cons causing us to become overwhelmed.
  • We stress while waiting for Him to be our avenger. Wondering if we should take things in our own hands not realizing bitterness is slipping in.
  • We stress while waiting for Him to remove us from a situation. We begin focusing on what seems to be impossible and felling trapped.
  • We stress while waiting for Him to move a mountain or part the waters so we can move forward. We begin feeling hopeless and depression sets in.

Do you see something wrong with this picture? We are waiting the wrong way.

God gives us instructions on how to wait for Him.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

While we wait for Him He instructs us to be strong letting our hearts take courage.

How would waiting for the Lord look different, for the woman I mentioned above, if she fully applied this verse?

While waiting on the Lord her mind was consumed with numerous thoughts.  Such as: I will choose to wait on the Lord for however long it takes.  No matter what the outcome looks like God causes all things to work together for good. God’s word does not return void, so I know my waiting will be fruitful. I will be still and know that He is God.  At that moment she realized she was lifting her hands in praise to God. She began recognizing peace was her companion. She was waiting in the Lords strength. Her soul was uplifted with a heart full of courage.

The first story of the women revealed little trust in the Lord. She thought if she was in control then she could control the outcome. The second story of the women revealed her complete trust and confidence in the Lord. She knew that by releasing all control to God the outcome would be blessed.

Which will be your story today? Will Anxiety or peace be your companion? Choose wisely so you may have life. Abundant life.

God’s word breathes life into us when we fully apply it. Stop ringing your hands and start raising them in praise. Your strength comes from God who hears you, sees you, and loves you.

“Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31 NASB

“Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, o my soul!” Psalms 146:1NASB