Wait in Patience

Week 46, Monday

Mary Mohler

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:7 (esv)

Waiting on the Lord is a familiar theme in Scripture—in fact we read the phrase “wait on the Lord” nine times in Psalms, seven times in Isaiah, and thirty times in all. We know that it is a biblical command, but waiting is not as easy as it sounds.

Women in the Bible had to wait. Women like Sarah, Abigail, Ruth, and Mary waited. They waited for a spouse, children, healing, and change of circumstances. So much is different in the twenty-first century, but some of the issues related to waiting are exactly the same. We are simply more spoiled.

We don’t like to wait for anything. We have instant potatoes, instant diagnostics, and instant messaging. We want what we want now. So we get frustrated when the light doesn’t turn green, the Skype connection is lost, or test results are delayed for a day.

In some situations, part of our frustration is due to our own arrogance. We think we have such great ideas. It’s almost as if we try to convince the Lord, “See, if You would just do A, then B would happen, and as a result, C would happen so that after all, this could come together and it would be a dream come true. So, Lord, don’t You see how my plan will work? Please make it happen. I can’t but You can. Oh, please make it happen today!” What audaciousness!

Waiting is linked to patience, contentment, freedom from anxiety, discernment, and possession of a quiet and gentle spirit, to name a few. There is a whole range of issues at play here that touch all of us on a daily basis.

We are going to explore this week what we commonly wait for and how we can strategically deal with waiting in a way that pleases the Lord. However, before we do, will you prayerfully consider what the Lord may choose to teach you? Is patience an issue that plagues you? Does Satan use it to tie you in knots as you struggle to wait instead of relying on God?

Lord, I know that You have commanded me to be still and wait patiently for You. Forgive me for failing to do so and foolishly thinking that my plans are best. Enable me to give You control as my loving, sovereign Father who has a flawless plan for me. Amen.