“Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lordâ€
(Psalm 27:14).
Charles Swindoll, in his book, Living Beyond the Daily Grind, has this to say about the word wait:
Let’s look at that term wait. It is from the Hebrew verb kah-wah meaning “to twist, stretch.†The noun form means “line, cord, thread.” A vivid picture of a strong, powerful rope or cord by twisting and weaving ourselves so tightly around the Lord that our weakness and frail characteristics are replaced by His power and unparalleled strength. It describes very literally the truth of what has been termed the “exchanged life.” As we wait on God, our weakness is changed for His strength.
In our hurried culture of impulsiveness and impatience–everything within us urges: “Go!†and yet God whispers: “Wait.â€Â All too often believers are quick to act because they are afraid of failure or do not want to miss out on something. Then they hope God will bless their actions. But He doesn’t. While trying to do something they believe will bring Him pleasure, they do not realize they please our Father by waiting on Him.
Clearly, our Father wants to show His children His will and what to do, but we must be willing to pause and wait. His Spirit will help us grow in four areas:
Faith – The benefits of stillness become clear only when we see life from the perspective of faith. During trying/turbulent times and uncertainty, we are comforted as we are quiet in His presence. The more we practice this discipline, the stronger our muscle of faith.
Humility – To counter our natural tendencies, we must understand our need for God and His sovereign rule over us, so that we are willing to submit ourselves to His way and His timing (Psalm 103:19). Although difficult, waiting is essential to living a successful Christian life in God’s school of obedience and abundant blessing.
Patience – Waiting on the Lord is not a waste of time; it is a declaration that God is in charge. Not us! It is not passive or being lazy. Pausing and asking God for further instructions requires stillness—a determination not to act until He gives us clear direction.
Courage – As we learn to “be still†(Psalm 46:10) in quiet dependence on the Lord, we can stand firm when others second-guess our motives or pressure us to make hasty, unwise decisions. “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD†(Psalm 27:14).
In times of tribulation, be still before God and ask Him to show you His glory when it feels like darkness surrounds you. “The LORD longs to be gracious to you . . . Blessed are all who wait for Him!†(Isaiah 30:18).
Be still and know that He is God
For pathways steep and rough;
Not what He brings but who He is
Will always be enough. –Anonymous