Waiting on God

Waiting on God. What does that even mean? Do we ever wait for anything or anyone anymore? It seems that the modern Christian just bulls his or her way forward without much thought to it. Why?

One reason might be that we have been convinced the “Great Commission” far exceeds any other commands by Christ. We must go and make disciples no matter the cost, right? And therein lies the error of our ways. We tend ourselves towards busy instead of waiting in prayer. I believe King David understood this better than all because his Psalms talk of waiting. Patiently waiting. Intently waiting. Silently waiting. But waiting for God none the less. Why?

First of all, we will never know things better than God. We are completely unable to perceive the scope of the dynamics in which God commands His ways and measures our steps. We are fortunate to see the truth of this if we will read the Book of Job and see God’s way with Job. Job was righteous, but not righteous enough to question or instruct God. In addition, our time frame never seems to match up with God’s. Quite frankly, we think God is too slow! Admit it. We get just a little bit of knowledge on a matter and off we run. You might say, “No we don’t!” but I bet you answered too quickly. We must learn to slow down. Why?

God might tell us to wait because our timing may not be correct. Our thoughts and plans might call for immediate decisive action on our part. We tell ourselves, “Is God not able to get with the program?” So we do what almost the entire population of the world does, we blunder ahead and force our way through. We all know someone who is blundering their way through life, and we shake our heads thinking, “If only they would listen to God.” But isn’t that me and you also?  (Another reason not to judge.) I cannot possibly guess the many options that are going to cross my path. Yet inwardly I feel I must make a decision now and run with it. It will be up to God to pick up the pieces because this challenge will not wait! Even for us believers, that is how we think and how we live our lives. Why?

It is not in our nature to rely on anyone. Our trust levels are low, especially for the unseen God. We cannot touch, smell, taste, or see Him. So how can we expect to place our faith in Him? But in His perfect righteousness He requires this of us. To wait is to show faith. To show faith is to please God. And to please God is to place us in the center of His will and the safety of His arms!

In conclusion, when we pray we are not to give God a list of our instructions or wants for they will never be answered. We are to quiet our spirits, rest the worries of our minds, and patiently place our will in His hands. In this kind of trust and faith we will find perfect peace.

What say you?