Read: Psalm 27:11-14
Memory Verse: Psalm 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Everyone in the military understands the phrase “hurry up and wait.” Hurry up to get somewhere and then sit around and wait for something to happen! You are either waiting for the last person to get ready, for someone to make a decision, for the people in front of you to get done, or just because someone messed up. It seemed like I spent half of my military career waiting!
Waiting is not easy. This is a discipline not only for earthly soldiers but also for those in God’s army. We have to learn to wait on God’s timing. Sometimes we wait because we are not ready yet. Other times, it means waiting on someone else to be ready to get saved or get right with God or fully surrender. God always has a purpose for making us wait even though we may not understand it.
Waiting is a necessary part of the Christian faith. Abraham was promised a seed that would outnumber the stars in the sky, but he had to wait for it until Sarah and he became an elderly couple. Joseph was given the dream of becoming a leader, but he had to wait for it through many tough experiences. David was anointed king by Samuel, but it was many years later after being chased like a criminal before he stepped into his position. Many prophets spoke of Jesus and God’s plan for redemption, yet it was hundreds of years later before the birth of the Messiah.
We get frustrated in our waiting period because we think we are ready for whatever is next. Yet, God is the great Orchestrator of life events and intersections of people. He has a plan for each one of us as and His timing is always perfect. His future plan is for our good and to give us hope. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11) If we really want to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living…we will learn to wait patiently, obediently, and in expectation of the Lord.
Meditation for the Day: Think back in your life of times when you had to wait for something and now you can see how God’s timing was perfect.
Assignment: Make a list of things that you are waiting on God about and then put the date He answers that need.
For Fun: Make a list of fun, crazy, and productive things you can do while you are waiting.