Additional Food For Thought

Waiting on God
READ Psalm 37:3-8
Psalm 37:3-8 (New King James Version)

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. 6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. 7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm.


Godly waiting requires action. Does that surprise you? God asks us to do our best work right where we are. (1 Corinthians 15:58) (58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.)

He also wants us to get along with others until moving us elsewhere. (Romans 12:18) (18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.)

As we wait, we are to display righteous character, which is... patient. When God doesn’t answer quickly, we may get frustrated and try to manipulate our desired outcome. With the Spirit’s help, we can be patient. I know I am very guilty of not being patient. Right now I am worried about my job and I am looking for a new one. It is difficult to remain steadfast in my faith that God has the plan for my job hunt in his hands.

Righteous character is also trusting. Trust means believing the Lord is in control, has our best interests in mind, and will arrange things for our good and His glory.
Righteous character is quiet. Confidence in God brings believers a calmness of spirit. Worrying about difficult circumstances and people should be replaced by a continual seeking of the Lord’s presence. Again I need to place all my trust and faith in his mighty hands about the job search. It is funny how it is easy to place trust in God to watch over Derek overseas (and my children are so much more important than a job) but when it comes to the everyday things like finding a new job I fail.

Righteous character is also steadfast. We are to stand firm with our focus on Jesus and continue to do the work we have been given to carry out. I do believe we need to find the strength and courage through our faith in God but I also think that we are able to stand firm and focus on Jesus when we surround ourselves with others who are strong in their faith. We can draw from their energy to help us be strong.

Righteous character is discerning. When solutions come to mind, we need to distinguish the source. Are they our own ideas, the world’s suggestions, or the Lord’s direction? With wisdom from God, we will discern where He is at work, what our part is in it, and which action we’re to take. I am bad with this one. Sometimes I want the answer to be - what I want not what God wants.

Finally, righteous character is courageous. Courage is not the absence of fear but calmness and stability in the midst of it. Although we do not see God, we believe He is at work. A resolute spirit is required if we are to wait on God. What a wonderful peace to know that God will stand beside us as we walk through each day. What courage we can draw from his love.

Delays present us with opportunities to show the world what Jesus’ transforming power has accomplished in us. When God says, “Hold still,” how do you react? I hope that I will learn to stop and learn to listen to his plan for me.