Reflections: Waiting is underrated

My Bible study last week included verses about trusting God, even when circumstances make us wonder what is going on, how long the situation will continue, what the outcome will be, and whether God really cares. One passage was Psalm 27:13-14, “I would have lost heart, unless I believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (NKJV) 

Persons interacting in the study could relate; I’m not the only cancer survivor who recalls the stress of enduring treatments or waiting for test results. I have friends currently in that situation; other friends are waiting for financial provision following a job loss; still others have prayed for years for restored relationship with a child. 

Nobody among my study friends, or in the Bible, ever said waiting was easy; many agreed with one woman’s comment, “Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, but I’m still working on that one.” We also agreed that the skill of waiting is often underrated—or lacking—in our “get it now” society. See a cute item on Amazon? Click “add to cart” and have it tomorrow. Many Gen Z don’t know what it’s like to wait for physical letters from friends or family serving as missionaries or in the military. 

Biblically, we see that much good can come from waiting. In fact, in the original biblical languages, the verbs for waiting don’t imply being passive, but rather, actively engaging in obeying God while trusting his goodness and sovereignty. Many Psalms passages were written while David was being pursued by enemies, but he reminded himself that God had not forgotten him. Paul’s famous Philippians 4:13 statement, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” was written from jail. The promise in Isaiah 40:29-31, including “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles,” was written during a dark time of Israel’s history, yet Isaiah persevered, seeking God and also penning the Messianic passage of Isaiah 53. Jesus instructed the disciples to “wait” for empowerment from the Holy Spirit rather than relying on their own enthusiasm to share the Gospel.  

Our society’s disdain for waiting is evident in many practical settings. My husband, a band director, has to teach students to sit quietly, instrument ready, while he corrects or helps one person or section. A friend who travels to weekly speaking engagements has had more than her share of airport delays. My grandkids recently needed several reminders while in line for Silver Dollar City’s kiddie rides.

Again, we can glean wisdom from biblical examples. Paul wrote encouraging letters during jail time; David wrote poetry and songs from a hideout. My friend has written many insightful blog posts and studies at the airport. My husband reminds students to practice breathing for tone improvement or quietly practice note fingerings while he assists someone else. TV personality Fred Rogers of my kids’ childhood years had a little song, “Let’s think of something to do while we’re waiting.” I sang that to my grandkids in line at SDC, and with just a little coaching, they began creating games involving colors, counting and a few interesting passers-by.  

Are you stuck in a waiting situation right now? Health, relationships, trying to save for a financial goal? Join me in looking for purpose in the waiting!