Read

Psalm 130 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word, I put my hope. Verse 5 (NIV)

Reflect
Do any of us remember when we had to wait for snail mail to arrive? When we were in Tanzania our only communication with family and friends back in Canada was by snail mail. Now when I write an email to friends in Tanzania, I expect a response in a very short period of time. It seems that our ability or tolerance to wait is ever diminishing. In our fast-paced world, waiting is treated as an irritating inconvenience.

As a child, I could hardly wait to open Christmas or birthday presents. As a high school student, I waited with anxious anticipation to see if I made the school football team. As an adult I waited anxiously to see if I passed the carpentry licensing exam. Even while working for our denomination in international ministry I had to learn to wait for travel documents and visas and usually with timelines pressing.

When the psalmist writes that his “whole being waits,” perhaps you – like me – can relate to that feeling. He wanders back and forth between calling out to God and reminding himself of the goodness and faithfulness of God. His heart and soul long for a sign from God, a flicker of light while hanging out in the depths of darkness.

Fear creeps into our waiting when there’s a possibility of bad news – and that can make the situation feel unbearable. As the psalmist keeps his eyes fixed on God, so we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith and the source of hope for this life and forever. There is no outcome that God will not help us handle.

Pray
Dear Lord, we cautiously pray for patience as we deal with irritating little things and major, life altering, fearful things. Thank you for your infinite mercy. Infuse us with unshakable hope in your Word. Amen.