wait

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Psalm 27:13-14 NIV

Choose to wait on God and He will renew your strength.

In this ever moving, ever evolving culture, waiting is not easy. Delay can be disheartening, tempting us to control and wonder if God will ever fulfill his promises. We grow tired, impatient, unable to focus on the journey ahead because we have no idea where we’re going.

And yet, the Bible is filled with people who didn’t know where they were going. There’s not a man or woman in scripture whom God used in a powerful way who didn’t first face a long and difficult time of waiting. Waiting has purpose. The Bible tells us there is seed time and harvest time, therefore we can be strong, and take heart and wait for the Lord. God is good on his promises and he will never fail us even though it may take longer than expected.

How do we wait on the Lord?

Patiently. The Lord’s timing is perfect, yet rarely is it ours. With him one day is like a thousand years. (2 Pet 3:8-9) Though we don’t always see him working, his word assures us that he acts on behalf of those who wait for him. (Is 64:4)

Watchfully. Establish a posture of readiness. God has set eternity on our hearts and yet it is so easy to get caught up in the world’s ways. Live with eager expectation for the Lord’s guidance, better yet, for Christ’s return. (Mat 24:42)

Faithfully. Be encouraged to remain faithful and diligent in your commitment to Jesus. Resist comparison and fear and focus on the responsibilities God has entrusted you with. God has given you talents, abilities and gifts that need to be cultivated, developed and matured to carry out his will for your life. (Mat 25:23)

Those who consistently place their trust in him, patiently, watchfully and faithfully, will be empowered by his grace to soar through life with ease, run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint. (Is 40:31)

No matter how long you have to wait, you can trust the Father to lead you. He has your best interest in mind.

Practice:

fasting

Fasting helps us to set aside distractions to restore intimacy with God and acknowledge our weakness while we wait on God.
If you’re feeling prompted by the Spirit to accept this invitation, spend time in prayer to identify the type of fast you should attempt this week.

examples:
-24 hour food fast: pray or read the Word every time you have the desire to eat.
-social media fast: remove all social media platforms from your phone for the week and use that time for worship. 

Relish this opportunity to hide in Christ and run to him for strength.

centering prayer

LORD, I come before you to wait in Your presence. Please help me to find rest here.
I want to trust You and Your perfect will.